News Broadcasting
IT panel recommends MIB to restructure PCI to cover all types of media
Mumbai: Parliament’s standing committee on communications and information technology, headed by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has recommended the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) to set up a media council on the lines of the Press Council of India (PCI), with statutory powers over print, television and digital media platforms.
The recommendation was part of the ‘Ethical Standards in Media Coverage’ report which expresses concerns regarding the limited efficacy of existing regulatory bodies like the PCI and the News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) in enforcing their decisions. This has led to the fourth estate “gradually losing its credibility and integrity.”
The report noted that while the PCI – a statutory body governing the print media – may entertain complaints and is empowered to warn, admonish or censure newspapers, news agencies, the editor or the journalist concerned, it does not have the power to enforce compliance. Its advisories are not enforceable in a court of law.
Similarly, while the NBDSA (a self-regulatory body for news broadcasting), has the power to fine, its jurisdiction extends to only those organisations that choose to be members of the News Broadcasters and Digital Association. Compliance with its orders is also voluntary.
Suggesting restructuring the PCI to cover all types of media, the panel said, “In view of the above, the Committee has opined that the MIB should explore the possibility of establishing a wider Media Council encompassing not just the print media but the electronic and digital media as well, and equip it with statutory powers to enforce its orders where required.”
The committee also recommended that pending a decision on the council, the ministry should look into the possibility of expanding the regulatory framework to monitor e-newspapers.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
