The State government wants to monitor media content to ensure that no communal hatred and animosity is spread via cable television, radio, and FM.
The government appointed committees for this at the city and district level on Tuesday. The government clarified that the move was as per the Cable Television Regulation Act, and was not part of any broad censorship plan.
As per the directives issued, the central committee will be headed by the secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department and comprise the State director general of police and secretaries of the Women and Child, and Social Justice departments. Similar committees will be formed at the district level headed by collectors, officials said.
Public complaints
Citizens will be able to file complaints about content on these media platforms. The committee will conduct a hearing of all stakeholders to adjudicate on the complaints. “We expect the committee to point out to us if the programme being played on these mediums is affecting public order or religious harmony,” said an official of the Information and Public Relations Department.
Senior officials said the district committees will also keep a watch on pirated content. “The committee will monitor availability of free-to-air channels and those notified for mandatory carriage,” said an official.
