Govt. issues new media accreditation guidelines

What is the news?

The Central government has released the Central Media Accreditation Guidelines-2022.

What is media accreditation?

Media accreditation issued by PIB allows journalists access to government offices and official functions.It can be seen as a media pass that allows entry into government offices including Parliament and events which wouldn’t be possible without it.

What are the key provisions of Central Media Accreditation Guidelines-2022?

Provisions for Granting Accreditation:

Accreditation is only available for journalists living in the Delhi NCR region. 

Click Here to read the accreditation criteria

— No accreditation will be granted to freelance journalists working for foreign news media organisations.

Formation of a Central Media Accreditation Committee (CMAC): The Government shall constitute a Committee called the Central Media Accreditation Committee.

The Committee will be chaired by the Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB) and composed of up to 25 members nominated by the government to discharge the functions laid down under these guidelines.

The CMAC would function for a period of two years from the date of its first meeting and shall meet once in a quarter or more frequently, if necessary.

Conditions for Withdrawing/Suspending Accreditation: A journalist can lose accreditation – 

– if they act in a manner which is prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement of an offence.

– if they are charged with a serious cognisable offence.

– if they violate any of the terms and conditions of the accreditation.

– if they furnish false/fraudulent, forged information/ documents. 

– if the news media organisation on behalf of which the accreditation has been granted “recommends the withdrawal of accreditation”.

Source: This post is based on the article “Govt. issues new media accreditation guidelines” published in The Hindu on 9^th Feb 2022.