"Allow full access to journalists covering Parliament": Congress' Manickam Tagore writes to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
New Delhi: Congress MP Manickam Tagore has requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to allow full access to all accredited journalists covering the proceedings of Parliament to ensure that our democracy remains robust and transparent.
In a letter written to the Lok Sabha Speaker on Sunday, the Congress MP sought the attention of the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding the restrictions imposed on journalists covering the proceedings of Parliament.
"As you are aware, the press plays a crucial role in our democracy by ensuring transparency and holding the government accountable to the people. However, it has come to my attention that several established journalists, many of whom have been covering Parliament for over a decade, are now facing undue restrictions in the name of COVID-19 protocols. While I understand the importance of health and safety measures during the pandemic, the continued enforcement of these restrictions is adversely impacting the free and fair coverage of parliamentary proceedings," he said.
"Journalists who have been accredited for many years possess a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and contribute significantly to informed public discourse. Preventing them from accessing the Parliament not only hampers their professional duties but also restricts the flow of accurate information to the public. In the interest of preserving the democratic ethos of our nation, it is imperative that all accredited reporters be allowed to cover the proceedings without any hindrance," the Congress MP said.
The Congress leader further said, "I urge you to kindly reconsider the current restrictions and allow full access to all accredited journalists. Such a move will reinforce our commitment to a free press and ensure that our democracy remains robust and transparent," referring to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
"I am confident that under your esteemed leadership, the Parliament will continue to uphold the highest standards of democratic principles," the letter stated.
