Media most important vehicle for democracy: minister

Kolkata, Jan 2 (IANS) Media is the most important vehicle for any democratic nation, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi said here Wednesday.

'Democracy has no substitute. The democratic rights enjoyed by the media of our country are much more than any other Asian country,' Dasmunshi said while addressing a meeting on Media Role in Democracy at the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI).

He pointed out that print media has tremendous responsibility because an item published in the print has referential value long after its publication.

On the other hand, he said the electronic media also has a great accountability in the society.

'The Prasar Bharati is more independent than even the BBC,' he said stressing the importance of media in a democratic set up as it helps the government in improving its performance.

On the Right to Information (RTI) act, the minister said the union government is activating a process to speed up replies to RTI queries.