27th SIMCON Usher by union minister for I&B, Ambika Soni
27th SIMCON Usher by union minister for I&B, Ambika Soni: On 5th Dec. Smt Ambika Soni( union minister for information and broadcasting) inaugurated the XXVII th state information ministers conference (simcon) in which the media experts and stakeholders participate for the first time along with state ministers. As Media is growing exponentially, the SIMCON platform provides an opportunity to discuss issues keeping in mind the perspective of State Governments.
In her inaugural address the Minister noted that over the years SIMCON has attempted to discuss and evolve appropriate policy initiatives to address the changing information landscape of the country.
She pointed out that bringing about amendments to the Press and Registration of Books Act by March 2010 is high on the agenda of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. She said the existing provisions of the Act are inadequate to cater to the phenomenal growth of the Print Media Sector in the backdrop of the liberalization of Government policies.
“Though the Act has been amended in a piecemeal manner many times, but it needs to be updated the terms of the law according to the prevailing environment governing the Print Media Sector’ she added. Timely de-registration of titles that are not published and prevent blocking of titles thereby discouraging non serious publishers, a statutory provision for circulation verification are among the key amendments proposed she added.
Smt Soni highlighted that Piracy is another major deterrent for the growth and profitability of the Media and Entertainment sector. Reducing Entertainment Tax rates and Digital exhibition of films in cinema theatres can help in curbing production of pirated CDs/DVDs . The Ministry of I&B has requested the State Governments to explore the desirability of having an Act which would effectively check the menace of video piracy.
Smt Soni also invited suggestion from the States’ representatives noting that while self regulation is ideal, it needs to be considered whether this will fully and successfully serve the purpose and meet all concerns of society at large.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has to act as a catalyst for ensuring growth and development by providing information to the doorsteps of the people, Smt Soni said. “The responsibility given to the Ministry is extremely complex, as India today is a diverse society wherein on the one hand we are subjected to information which requires mature handling and on the other hand some segments face dearth of information relevant to their daily requirements” the Minister highlighted. “It is the right of each citizen to be provided quality information on issues concerning them” she reminded the forum.
Addressing the Conference, the Chairman Press Council of India, Justice G N Ray said that having representatives from the State and media at the same forum highlights the fact that media and authorities are not adversaries but partners in the task of nation building. Justice Ray urged the media to ensure that core values are not transgressed by media. He said that a regulatory framework that will promote self regulation, in particularly the electronic media, should be developed. The States and the experts were also in agreement for introduction of an autonomous and credible Broadcasting Authority for broadcasting services though highlighting that regulation can be double-edged in democracy.
The industry representatives Shri Yash Chopra and Shri Kamal Hasan expressed concerns about the high incidence of entertainment tax and the menace of piracy affecting the industry adversely. They suggested that strong laws and administrative action be taken. Shri Yash Chopra suggested that source of piracy be tackled.
