Sri Vijaya Puram, March 6: The Chairman of the Campaign Committee of Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), Mr. G. Bhasker, has expressed serious concern over the nature of news being published in the state-run newspaper, alleging that it is increasingly being used as a platform for government propaganda rather than objective reporting.
In a representation addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral D. K. Joshi, Mr. Bhasker stated that recent reports and statements published in the newspaper regarding oil exploration in the Islands, the Great Nicobar Development Project, and the Administration’s vision for tourism, healthcare, fisheries, and the blue economy appear more like publicity campaigns than factual reporting.
Mr. Bhasker alleged that such publications are misleading the public and are aimed at creating a positive image of the Administration despite growing public dissatisfaction over several unresolved issues in the Islands.
He also pointed out that students in the Islands have been agitating over the issue of the proposed Deemed University, expressing fears that the move could adversely affect the future of local students. According to Mr. Bhasker, instead of addressing such pressing concerns, the state-run newspaper is being used to promote the ideology of the ruling party.
Referring to reports suggesting that oil exploration in the Andaman region could contribute to a “20 trillion dollar economy,” Mr. Bhasker termed such claims as unsubstantiated and misleading, stating that oil exploration in the Islands is still at an initial stage and projecting such figures at this stage is unrealistic.
He further highlighted the deteriorating condition of basic public services in the Islands, particularly in the health sector. Mr. Bhasker noted that essential medical facilities such as MRI services have reportedly remained unavailable for several years, while issues related to healthcare, education, electricity, roads, and unemployment continue to affect the public.
Emphasizing that journalism is regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy, Mr. Bhasker urged the Administration to ensure that the State run newspaper maintains neutrality and adheres to the principles of responsible and unbiased journalism.
He called upon the authorities to ensure that the newspaper functions as a credible platform for factual reporting rather than a medium for government publicity.