National Press Day is observed on November 16 to
commemorate the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI). The PCI
constituted on November
16, 1966, is a quasi-judicial
body to act as a watchdog over Indian journalism and
journalists.The self-regulating body, PCI acts under the Press Council Act,
- Traditionally, it has chairman, a retired Supreme Court judge, 28 additional members of whom
20 are members of media National Press Day 2021 Observed
five are members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha of the Indian parliament, and
three represent culture literary and legal field as nominees of Sahitya Academy,
University Grant Commission and Bar Council of India. Justice Chandramauli
Kumar Prasad is the current chairman.Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa
Sarma shared a message for the media fraternity on the occasion via Twitter. He
wrote, “Greetings to all members of media fraternity on National PressDay. As the
Fourth Pillar of democracy, your relentless pursuit of truth and making citizens
aware about their rights have strengthened our democracy. Your role during COVID19 pandemic too has been commendable”.The Directorate of Information and
Public Relations, Government of Assam also shared the CM’s message on
Twitter.National Press Day is observed on November 16th every year to acknowledge and honor the Press Council of India, a statutory and quasi-judicial establishment. The day marks the presence of an independent and responsible press in India.The media is known as the fourth pillar of democracy.
It is said that journalists are a mirror of society, which brings out the truth
even in adverse circumstances. This day symbolizes freedom of the press and
its responsibilities towards society. The Press Council of India started functioning on this day.The First Press Commission 1956 envisioned a committee
to protect the ethics of journalism and freedom of the press in India. It led to
the formation of a Press Council 10 years later.The Press Council of India
monitors all journalistic activities to keep credibility intact. The Press Council
of India plays an important role in maintaining a healthy democracy in the
country. It also ensures that the press in India is not affected by any external
matter.The Press Council of India was instituted on November 16, 1966, to
monitor the quality of reportage provided by the Indian press [SOSU AR]
