The Hindu : National : Somnath exhorts honest persons to join politics

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 07, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

Somnath exhorts honest persons to join politics

Staff Reporter

‘Media must give adequate coverage to Parliament proceedings’
‘Public thinks that Parliament is meant only for trouble’

NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over an alarming increase in corruption in the country, Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Wednesday said it is important that people with an incorruptible track record join the process of governance.

Launching the first edition of a Hindi magazine, “The Public Agenda”, at India International Centre here, Mr. Chatterjee said the media must give adequate coverage to proceedings in Parliament. “I know that there are some brilliant journalists, but they must stick to the truth and project the proceedings in a manner that people can spare some thought for Parliament. These days good speeches in Parliament have to be read with a magnifying glass in newspapers. This is a tragedy. The impression given to the public is that Parliament is only for trouble. Some national media give very low coverage to it,” he said.

Saying it was important that the Fourth Estate points out mistakes and makes suggestions so that the public knows what is happening, Mr. Chatterjee said commerce was creating a lot of impact on journals. “A news item that normally comes on Page 3 is now appearing on Page 1. What sells is more important than content. There are some honourable exceptions, but I don’t want to name them,” he observed.

Pointing out that there was a difference between news and fiction, Mr. Chatterjee said a newspaper must report the truth.

“There are comments on policy matters in editorials and signed articles. We politicians look forward to constructive criticism. Freedom of the Press is a Fundamental Right and we cherish the independence of the Press. However, independence doesn’t mean independence from truth. Our country has diverse cultures and traditions. There is a space for difference, and we can find a view that is acceptable to a larger section of people,” he added.

Stating that people with commitment and devotion who do not fall prey to temptations should join politics, the Lok Sabha Speaker said the quality of governance depends on people who become ministers: “Good persons are not willing to join the process of governance. I know that corruption is a serious black mark on our country. In fact, it is the biggest handicap. I want to know how many people in the country know that child labour has been legally prohibited or that a law against domestic violence has been passed.”

Calling upon the media to highlight examples of good conduct before the public, Mr. Chatterjee said freedom fighter Bhagat Singh gave his life not to become Prime Minister but attain freedom for the country.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National