National Press Day 2021 is celebrated every year on 16th november as a mark to remember the presence of an independent and responsible press in India. The day also marks the establishment of the Press Council of India and the day it started functioning.Press and Media is considered as the fourth pillar of Democracy, Journalists and members of the press act as a mirror to the society and bring out the truth with no fear or favour for or against any governmental agency or private entity.
National Press Day- History
The National Press Day is celebrated across the country as a day to remember the setting up of the Press Council of India. The Press Council of India was first discussed at the first meeting of the Press Commission in 1956. At the meeting, PCI was envisioned as an independent watchdog for the press and to protect the ethics of journalism and freedom of the press in India. After several deliberations and discussions, the Press Council of India came into being on 16th November 1966. Since then, the council has been working as an agency to monitor the quality of reportage provided by the Indian Press.
Press Day 2021 – Theme & Programmes
The Theme for National Press Day 2021 is ‘Who is Not Afraid of Media?’ As part of the celebration, the Press Council of India will hold a function at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. Eminent Journalist and Author Mr Swaminathan Gurumurthy, will grace the celebration as the Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker.
Press Council of India – Duties and Structure
The Press Council of India was set-up under the Press Council Act of 1978. The council enjoys a statutory and quasi-judicial establishment as an independent agency. The Council has been tasked with the duty to safeguard the independence of the press. It ensures that the Indian press doesn’t get affected by any external matter. Currently, Justice Chandramauli Kumar Prasad is Chairman of the Council as of 2021, who was appointed for a second term recently.
