Information and Communication policy to be formulated: Venkaiah

The Centre will bring out an Information and Communication policy which will be formulated in consultation with states, Information and Broadcasting minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday.

Speaking at a conference of state information ministers and top officials, he also announced a cash component of Rs 1 crore for the 'Most Film Friendly State' award that is given at the national awards.

The senior minister noted that while the government has a policy on areas ranging from trade to education, there has been no such policy with regard to information even after 69 years of Independence.

He emphasised on the importance of keeping people informed and aware while also adding that it is important that development issues are highlighted.

The Ministry of I&B would be formulating a draft National Information and Communication Policy to address the communication needs of the people, he said.

This daft would be then discussed with various state government before the final policy in this regard is created, he added.

At the event where Minister of State for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore and ministers of several states were present, Naidu said the broad objectives should be to enhance access to information and communication infrastructures and new technologies, especially in rural areas, to promote dialogue on development issues by all citizens and facilitate informed participation of people in setting development agenda and its execution.