Propaganda that there is no free expression in India not true: J&K L-G

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on August 15 mentioned “there’s a propaganda that there isn’t a freedom of expression in India, however that isn’t the reality”.

“There are 392 information channels within the nation which is greater than even america of America which has near 100 channels. This speaks quantity of the liberty of the media and true nature of democracy in India,” he mentioned, launching ‘ News18 Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal’ on the seventy fifth anniversary of Independence.

He mentioned he was a real supporter of freedom of speech.

Additionally learn: Over 100 notable writers name on President Murmu to assist free expression

“However we should all additionally keep in mind that when the Structure of India was being ready, all Indians got the fitting of freedom of expression underneath 19 (1), however 19 (2) additionally put in some restrictions which I imagine should not simply restrictions, however duties,” he mentioned.

He mentioned there’s a have to thoughts the fantastic line between freedom of expression, and the expression that hurts the nation. “The Structure clearly point out Rights of each particular person, but it surely additionally mentions our duties. The issue arises, when individuals solely discuss concerning the rights and overlook their duties.” he mentioned.

Talking about world stories on freedom of expression in India, he mentioned the flourishing panorama of media in India is an instance that media is “far more free in India than in some other nation on the earth”.

Additionally learn | Ready for democracy in Jammu and Kashmir

He mentioned up to now one 12 months, 27 journalists had been detained in america of America, 51 in China and 25 in Turkey, however solely seven in India.

“These detained in India had been charged with propagating faux information and these should not my numbers or the variety of Indian authorities, however these obtainable internationally,” he mentioned.

Additionally learn: India at 75 | The marginalisation of the Indian Muslim

“Right this moment, there’s a propaganda that there isn’t a freedom of expression in India, however that isn’t the reality,” he mentioned.

In regards to the new channel, he mentioned, “I’ve been informed that Network18 has already been presenting information in 15 languages and I’m hopeful that it’ll try to incorporate all regional languages.” He mentioned there was an enormous change in Jammu and Kashmir the muse of which was “laid within the Parliament on August 5, 2019”.

He added, “Once we determined to have a good time the Independence day in colleges (in J&Okay), individuals argued it had by no means occurred earlier than, however at this time not solely the Independence day is being celebrated in colleges, however in each house.” “There was a time when individuals used to say we received’t discover individuals to wave the tricolour, however at this time we’re proud to say that we now have so many individuals come to us that it grew to become troublesome to supply everybody with a flag,” he mentioned.

He mentioned improvement works are taking place at a sooner tempo in J&Okay with roads, for instance, being laid out at a price of 20 km per day.

“Malls, towers and inns are developing in Jammu and Kashmir. A number of worldwide companies are exhibiting curiosity in investing right here. An approximate Rs 56,000 crore value of improvement works are in line at this time, and whereas as soon as individuals needed to run from pillar to publish to get paperwork, Jammu and Kashmir is at this time number one in e-governance amongst UTs and fifth when in comparison with States.” The lieutenant governor mentioned the youth of Jammu and Kashmir at this time are targeted on up-skilling themselves slightly than taking on weapons.

“Right this moment J&Okay has the bottom VAT on air gas and we’re proud to say that it has helped the UT enhance tourism. Virtually 1.16 crore individuals got here to Kashmir within the final one 12 months, one thing that was beforehand unparalleled. Somewhat, discovering a lodge room is an even bigger drawback in Kashmir.”