
Motion for freedom of press
Why in news
- A motion has been moved in the Rajya Sabha by the opposition parties to hold a debate on “how to strengthen freedom of press”.
More in news
Who all are in favour of the motion
- Sixteen parties have signed the motion and the signatories include BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, YSR Congress members, Congress, the Trinamool Congress and the Left parties among others.
- The debate is likely to be initiated by NCP leader Sharad Pawar.
Why the need for debate
- Opposition parties are receiving complaints that journalists are working under severe pressure from the ruling dispensation.
- Their freedom to report critically about the government is severely curtailed.
- The recent 10% hike in the Customs duty on newsprint and the issue of fake new are likely to be raised.
Source
The Hindu