Broadcast bill by year-end, says new I&B minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy said on Friday that he was confident of getting the Broadcasting Bill passed by the end of this year.

Reddy said he would try to get the Bill passed in the monsoon session or at least by the end of the winter session. He said this would largely depend on the time taken by the parliamentary committee likely to scrutinise the Bill after he introduces it during the current session of Parliament.

The minister made it clear that no section of the Bill cleared by the Cabinet earlier this week was ''sacrosanct'' and that it would be changed if it militated against the autonomy of the media or was contrary to national policy in any way.

Reddy said he stood for optimal autonomy and had an open mind. He did not feel the Bill should be considered as final just because it had been discussed for almost two years. He said that along with the parliamentary committee, he would consider all points of view before giving the Bill final shape, since it was a ''major piece of legislation.''

Furthermore, he said this was not a party issue and he wanted to consult all parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, on the matter. He had already sought the view of the Left parties regarding the entry of foreign media, he said, adding that in the face of constant changes in technology, the national interest and cultural ideals had to be kept in mind.

Reddy said his foremost concern was ''liberty'' and that he would like ''to liberate the ministry from the minister and liberate the media from the ministry''.

Asked to elaborate, he said he would work towards a progressive fulfillment of this goal by placing proper authorities in place. Furthermore, he would want authorities like the Broadcast Authority of India to be autonomous and, therefore, have a minimum number of officials. At present, the draft provides for a retired judge as chairman with 10 members, including two officials.