Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Government Assurances on Thursday reviewed the Action Taken Report (ATR) on assurances relating to the Information and Mining departments, with a focus on measures to tackle fake news and misinformation.
The meeting, chaired by committee chairman Ali Mohammad Sagar, was attended by members Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir, Chander Prakash Ganga, Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi, Mehraj Malik and Shabir Ahmad Kullay, besides senior officers of the Information and Mining departments.
Officials informed the committee about measures taken by the Information Department to strengthen fact-based public communication, improve verification mechanisms and enhance public awareness against misinformation. They also said the Draft Media Policy 2026 proposes measures to curb fake news, including the designation of nodal officers in government departments.
The committee reviewed the progress made on assurances related to timely dissemination of verified information and sought updates on initiatives aimed at strengthening official communication.
Sagar directed the Information Department to finalise the Draft Media Policy 2026 and the media accreditation process within a stipulated timeframe. He also asked officials to ensure timely implementation of all assurances made before the House.
During the meeting, some committee members suggested that the proposed media policy should clearly define the authority responsible for taking action against fake news and misinformation. They also recommended provisions for regulating digital and social media platforms, action against self-styled journalists, and a legal framework to address the spread of fake news. Members further suggested that journalism qualifications and guidelines for recognising journalists be considered.
The committee also reviewed assurances relating to the Mining Department and sought updates on measures taken to regulate mining activities, strengthen enforcement and implement commitments made before the Legislature.
Sagar directed the Mining Department to ensure effective implementation of legislative assurances through regular monitoring and coordination, saying timely compliance reflected the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
