The department of information and public relations, Jammu and Kashmir has dis-impaneled around 10 newspapers in Kashmir for not following the proper “rules and regulations” of newspaper publication.
Joint Director Information said that there were many “complaints received” by the Directorate of Information against some newspapers published both in Jammu Kashmir divisions.
He said that the complaints were regarding the content being carried, publication issues, advertisement policies and media policy, and more importantly the availability of newspapers.
“Some of the newspapers had made the mockery of publication, in this regard an empanelment committee met last month, where these issues were discussed,” he said.
He informed that in the Kashmir division there are around 18 Newspapers that came under scrutiny and out of which 10 newspapers, who had stopped the publications have been suspended and dis-impaneled by the information department.
“Eight newspapers have been sent notices, but before the suspension, they will be given the chance to be heard and then after that the due course of action will follow,” he added.
He also said that in Jammu there are more than 30 newspapers, some of them have been suspended and dis-impaneled and some have been issued notices.
On being asked about the reports of dis-empanelment of Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Uzma, Joint Director Information said that the Empanelment Committee which met last month discussed those newspapers only which were not following the standards of publication and other policies and action has been taken against those only.
He said regarding Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Uzma, “we have no instructions as of now.” (KNO)