The Hindu : New Delhi News : IIMC to be upgraded as International Media University

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IIMC to be upgraded as International Media University

Staff Reporter

‘To fulfil the growing demand of the media industry’

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Mass Communication will be upgraded to an International Media University, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi announced here on Thursday.

“The Planning Commission has already approved the proposal and my Ministry is working to make this institute a world class media education, training and research university by an Act of Parliament. This will fulfil the growing demand of the media industry to provide more trained and qualified professionals,” he said while delivering the 41st Convocation Address at IIMC.

The Indian media industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. This growth rate is almost unparalleled in the world, noted Mr. Dasmunsi.

“But to maintain and enhance this growth rate, the industry requires a large number of trained media professionals, otherwise shortage of skilled and qualified professionals will hurt the growth rate of the industry,” he added.

The Minister said IIMC could play a “greater role” in providing good, creative and trained professionals to the industry in adequate numbers.

“Therefore, IIMC needs to enhance capacity, start new and specialised courses and training programmes geared to the manpower needs of the industry. Our Government is giving top priority to the education sector. In fact, the Prime Minister has rightly termed the 11th Five Year Plan as ‘Education Plan’,” he said.

Referring to the instances of “media excesses, media trials, fake sting operations and criminal trespassing of privacy”, Mr. Dasmunsi underscored that freedom demanded responsibility.

“The Indian press had played a leading role in our freedom struggle and many of our freedom fighters were also great journalists. Overall, I appreciate the role of Indian media in nation-building and strengthening the roots of democracy in the country.

But unfortunately, the growing competition among media companies, if I may say so unhealthy competition, is threatening all journalistic norms and values,” he pointed out.

Mr. Dasmunsi said all this was a matter of “serious concern” as his Ministry was receiving many complaints from the public and concerned citizen groups on this.

Later, the Minister presented awards to the students of post-graduate diploma courses.

IIMC Director Stuti Kacker presented the annual report.

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