The Press Council of India (PCI) has advised all state governments and administrative authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the smooth functioning of media during the lockdown to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
On Monday, the ministry of information and broadcasting hadwritten to the states and union territories asking them to ensure operationalcontinuity of print and electronic media in the current situation.
“At this critical juncture, ensuring uninterrupted operationof printing Press, facilitation of functioning of media persons and continuityof distribution infrastructure of newspapers and magazine is vital,” the PCIstatement said.
It is essential that the media houses be facilitated withthe required support/assistance for continued dissemination of appropriateinformation not only to create awareness amongst people but also for keepingthe nation updated of the latest status related to COVID-19 outbreak, it added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a completelockdown across the country for 21 days from Tuesday midnight, asserting thatsocial distancing is the only way out for the country in its decisive battleagainst the coronavirus.