Information policy on the anvil, says Venkaiah Naidu

Lucknow: The Centre will bring out an Information and Communication policy which will be formulated in consultation with states, information and broadcasting minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said.

Speaking at a conference of state information ministers and top officials, he also announced Rs 1 crore for the ‘Most Film Friendly State’ award given at the national awards.

The senior minister said that while the government had a policy on areas ranging from trade to education, there had been no such policy with regard to information even after 69 years of independence.

He emphasised on the importance of keeping people informed, adding that it was important for development issues to be highlighted.

The I&B ministry would be formulating a draft National Information and Communication Policy to address the communication needs of the people, he said.

This draft would be then discussed with various state governments before creating the final policy, he added.

At the event where minister of state for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore and other state ministers were present, Mr Naidu said the broad objective should be to enhance access to information and develop communication infrastructure and new technologies, especially in rural areas, to promote dialogue on development issues and facilitate informed participation of people in setting a development agenda and its execution.

Mr Naidu also referred to Swachh Bharat Mission and the recent demonetisation initiative of the government and said both were socio-economic changes with long-term gain for the country.

The minister also urged the states to do more effective campaigns under Swachh Bharat Mission.