Jammu: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday said the government will ensure corrective measures to promote ethical dissemination of news and curb fake news and misinformation.
Replying to a Short Duration Discussion in the Legislative Assembly, the Deputy Chief Minister said that while the media has historically been regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy and played a vital role in the freedom struggle, the rise of social media has brought new challenges.
He said the government will take necessary steps, but stressed that the media must also introspect and work towards strengthening its credibility. “The media has an important role in strengthening J&K. A strong J&K will lead to a strong India. For this, all stakeholders must play their part,” he said, urging media professionals to act responsibly and uphold ethical standards.
Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, who also spoke during the discussion, said genuine journalists should be encouraged, while those involved in spreading fake news and misinformation must face strict action.
The House witnessed broad consensus across party lines on the need to curb fake news while safeguarding freedom of speech and expression.
Initiating the discussion, MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania called for a robust regulatory framework, proposing measures such as a 36-hour takedown mechanism, district-level definitions of fake news and a UT-level Fact Check Unit. He also highlighted the need for regulation of digital platforms and mandatory registration.
MLA Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri said misinformation is deeply impacting public life and called for timely intervention to prevent serious consequences.
MLA Iftikhar Ahmad and Sajjad Shaheen stressed the need for minimum qualifications and standards for individuals practicing journalism to ensure professionalism and credibility.
MLA Khurshied Ahmed and Pawan Gupta raised concerns over unauthorised media platforms and called for strict regulatory measures, including penalties for those spreading fake news.
MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan cautioned that unregulated digital platforms can damage reputations irreversibly and called for a comprehensive legal framework.
MLA Rafiq Ahmad Naik and Nizam-ud-din Bhat emphasised responsible dissemination of information and effective implementation of existing laws to ensure accountability.
MLA Rameshwar Singh and Sajjad Shafi highlighted the need for verifying credentials of media practitioners and introducing minimum educational qualifications to curb unethical practices.
MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat called for distinguishing responsible journalism from misinformation, while Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah stressed the need for a regulatory mechanism and suggested district-level monitoring.
MLA Sham Lal Sharma advocated for stronger implementation of laws and proposed formation of a House committee in coordination with accredited media representatives.
MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi emphasised the need for effective implementation of laws to ensure accountability in the media space.
The discussion reflected a shared commitment across the House to curb misinformation while upholding democratic values and freedom of expression.
