Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 9: The Maharashtra government has firmly rejected accusations from the Mumbai Press Club, which labelled its media monitoring initiative as a "regime of surveillance" and a potential threat to press freedom. In a statement on Sunday, the government clarified that the initiative is not aimed at monitoring journalists or curbing free expression, but rather at addressing misinformation that distorts public understanding.
The government emphasized that the media monitoring centre's focus is on analyzing news content, not journalists or their personal communications. The initiative is designed to identify factual inaccuracies in reporting about government activities, not to target specific media outlets or suppress criticism.
"Our reference to 'negative' reporting pertains only to content that is factually incorrect, misleading, or deliberately distorted. We distinguish this from constructive criticism, which will always be encouraged and valued," the government said, clarifying that factual feedback will continue to be welcomed.
The government further explained that the purpose of the initiative is to ensure that false claims regarding government programs are swiftly corrected to provide citizens with accurate information. It is not intended to control the narrative or stifle free speech.
Unlike the earlier Fact Checking Unit (FCU) proposal, the current initiative adheres to constitutional limits and follows well-defined procedural guidelines. "We have structured this initiative to respect freedom of expression while addressing misinformation in line with judicial rulings," the government stated.
The government also noted its ongoing efforts to respond to factual inaccuracies in media reports, stating that many outlets have ignored these corrections in the past. This initiative aims to formalize these efforts, ensuring that accurate information reaches the public, even if media outlets fail to publish corrections.
The media monitoring centre will operate transparently, with findings made available for public scrutiny. The government reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom and acknowledged the important role of journalists in democracy.
"We are open to engaging with media organizations to refine the initiative and address any concerns. Ultimately, this effort is in the public interest, ensuring citizens receive correct information about government actions, especially when misinformation could harm the public," the statement concluded.