I&B Ministry
Citizens’ Charter of MIB makes commitments for ensuring certain services
NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry today undertook to facilitate sustained annual growth rate of 13 percent for the media and entertainment sector and ensure free flow of information to the public and safeguard freedom of press and media.
In a Citizen’s Charter released by it, the Ministry also said the aim was to effectively disseminate information on the policies, programmes and achievements of government using emerging technologies, promote development of broadcasting industry in India; strengthen the public service broadcaster and work towards universal digitisation of broadcasting by 2017.
The aim was also to expand FM radio network to all cities of 100,000 and above by 2014-15 and community radio service for empowering local communities.
The Ministry undertook to create a policy framework for the development of value based content for healthy entertainment of people of all ages; and restore, digitalise, preserve and enhance public access to the archival wealth of films, video and audio resources.
It would support digital conversion of Indian films by 2016-17 and upscale human resources development and set up centers of excellence for the media and entertainment sector.
The Charter not only contains the names and contact details of officers concerned but also the maximum time limit for various activities being handled by it, documents required and the entry fee. It also includes details of service standards, number of months to be taken for various activities, and the addresses of media units.
The Ministry said the aim was to create an enabling environment for sustained growth of media and entertainment sector, facilitate value based wholesome entertainment and effectively disseminate information on government policies, programmes and achievements.
The services mentioned in it include issue of Issue of license for providing DTH services to prospective licensee, Issue of License to Multi System Operators, Issue of license for providing HITS services to prospective licensee, Registration of Television Rating Points (TRP) Agencies to operate in India, Setting up teleports by TV Channels for up linking/ down linking, Issue of permission for Up linking/ Down linking of TV Channels uplinked from India, Issue of Permission for Down linking of TV Channels uplinked from Abroad.
The details have been placed on the website of the Ministry mib.nic.in.
I&B Ministry
India moves closer to age restrictions on social media
Government weighs options from under-13 ban to graded access amid rising safety concerns.
MUMBAI: The Indian government is finally ready to draw a line in the scroll because when children are spending more time on screens than in playgrounds, even policymakers have to hit pause. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has held multiple rounds of discussions with social media platforms and industry stakeholders to explore whether companies can technically enforce age-based access controls. Currently, India has no uniform mechanism to restrict social media usage by age.
The issue has gained momentum at both state and national levels. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have already signalled intent to introduce restrictions, with more states expected to follow. Internationally, Australia has banned access for users under 16, while similar measures are under consideration in parts of Europe and the US.
Officials indicated that broader political consensus is being sought before any nationwide decision. Policymakers are evaluating options ranging from a complete ban for younger users to a graded system allowing limited, age-appropriate access on platforms such as Youtube and Meta.
A key point of debate is the age threshold whether restrictions should apply below 13 (in line with several global norms) or extend to 16. The discussion has been intensified by concerns raised by the National Human Rights Commission about children’s exposure to harmful content, misinformation, cyberbullying, fraud and digital addiction.
Industry voices have cautioned against an outright ban, arguing it could push younger users towards unregulated or illicit spaces, making enforcement even harder. The government is studying global regulatory approaches and their outcomes, while the Economic Survey earlier this year recommended age-based controls and stronger platform accountability.
With consultations ongoing and multiple stakeholders involved, the framework is still evolving, but momentum is clearly building toward some form of regulation. Any decision will have significant implications for social media companies operating in India, given the country’s large and young user base.
In a nation where children are growing up with smartphones in hand, the Centre is preparing to decide how early they should be allowed to scroll striking a delicate balance between protection and freedom in the world’s largest digital playground.
