The decision of the State Government to accord press accreditation to working journalists from Nagaland is not a big surprise as such a move was being planned for quite sometime. Besides, accreditation is not something new and has been there in the past, the only difference being that now an attempt is being made to better streamline it and also giving it more value addition to ensure greater benefits for the working journalists’. A few Editors’ had likewise spoken out on this issue when they were called in for consultations earlier in the year. Although long overdue, the steps being taken by the government to accord a more befitting status for working journalists is therefore welcomed. The personal initiative of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is also appreciated and hopefully he will do the needful to operationalize the recommendations he announced.
However, what the government is giving out should not be seen as a ‘bargain deal’ either by the State or even for those working in the media. What is being enjoined within the meaning of ‘press accreditation’ is a matter of right long denied to the journalists in Nagaland. The State government should therefore not be under any illusion that it is doing any favour. To the credit of the local media, it has to a large extent remained independent and not subservient to the dictates of State power. And it is of outmost importance to preserve the independent functioning of the Fourth Estate if at all democracy is to thrive in Nagaland. At a time when the other pillars of democracy are under duress, the local media can stand proud that it is surviving as a vibrant institution and performing its due role in the service of society and the people.
Local newspapers in Nagaland have been in the forefront of public service. Unfortunately, this usually escapes attention of most people including the government and the public. It has had to endure many difficulties on several fronts and yet continue to bear the burden of publication despite financial constraints so as to ensure that the public continue to be informed and educated. The State Government will also acknowledge the fact that the local media has never shied away from its duty in giving due space for government programmes to be highlighted and communicated to the public. The local media has in fact become the vital link between the government and the governed i.e. citizens. Given that local newspapers have conscientiously taken the role of a public service utility and also its growing importance as a public forum for communication, it is not asking too much for cooperation from the public and also the immediate attention of the State Government on several pertinent issues faced by the local newspapers.
Since the Chief Minister appears to understand the problems faced by the local newspapers, it is requested that as the head of the government, he personally take up specific problems being faced on the advertisement front. It has been duly observed that advertisements were not being distributed fairly to all newspapers (both English and vernacular). This anomaly must be corrected at the earliest. Further publishers and editors have been patient enough when it comes to payment of advertising bills. The concerned departments should be directed to clear all pending bills within a timeframe not exceeding 45 days. The government should also take immediate steps to enhance advertising rates, which has remained stagnant for many years now. Enhancement as such must be in commensuration of the actual rate of inflation and other cost factors.
With regard to the advertisement policy of the Government of Nagaland, in some cases, government ‘authorities’ have been using advertisement deviously to control the local media houses. This is not in tune with what Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has himself said during the inauguration of the new building of the State Directorate of Information and Public Relation (DIPR). As rightly said by Rio, the State should not take to harsh methods towards media to curb their freedom or to tame them to suit the Government’s view point. The Fourth Estate must be strengthened and encouraged to grow not slighted and diminished.
