Port Blair, March 30: The former Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has called upon the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration to support functioning of the private local media functioning in the islands, especially in such times of crisis.

In his letter to the Lt. Governor, Bishnu said that he had an interaction with local media and came to understand that in these troubled times, the local media is also going through tremendous stress. Being one of the pillars of the democracy, it may be incumbent upon the Administration to look into their grievances earnestly. It is these local media who enable news to trickle to nook and corner of the territory and also get news from even the remotest corners. Hence, their role for identifying gaps and strengthening of systems, particularly in these times, become very important.

The former Member of Parliament, requested the LG and the CS to ensure operational continuity of Print and Electronic Media in view of the threat in accordance with the directions issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dated 23rd March, 2020.

Clearing of all long pending bills of local media (nearly 4-6 lakhs per newspaper house in various departments) so that they can sustain their operations during this period.

Presently advertisements especially IEC material for the threat is being advertised through Daily Telegrams only. The same may be extended to all local media.

He also requested that essential service pass may be issued to all staff of print media for distribution and printing and for other works as they are being harassed and not allowed to perform their duties.

Further, opening of Media Help Desk and designating Nodal Media for interaction with media on day to day basis at Directorate of Disaster Management (as done in any crisis situation under SOP made by the Administration also). 

Bishnu mentioned in his letter to treat these local newspapers as friends of the Administration and for suggestions as they have ground knowledge of suffering groups / can point of lacunae and make Administration reach even the unreached. He thus requested that sincere and positive decisions be taken in this regard.