LS issues guidelines for media ahead of winter session 2016

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha secretariat on Monday issued the guidelines for media ahead of its winter session starting from November 16. A part of these set of ‘Dos and Don’ts’ stated, “If you spot Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal or his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Bannerjee in the Parliament complex, don’t rush to say ‘hello’ or click their pictures, at least not without permission.” A warning has also been issued to the reporters and photo journalists that if they attempt to ignore the directions of these guidelines, they may get suspended from covering Parliament for two days.

What else do these guidelines include:

No interaction with anyone who is not a minister or a Member of Parliament without prior permission. The guidelines stated, “Media persons will not interact, interview or photograph anyone else other than ministers/members of Parliament without permission from the press & public relations wing.”

Mediapersons are forbidden to talk to former MPs or ministers, CMs, MLAs and prominent personalities who visit the Parliament complex without permission of their PR staff.

They are supposed to take reactions from or interview MPs at earmarked places only. “Reporters may take prior appointments with ministers or MPs and request them to approach the designated media stands for interviews/reactions,” the statement from LS said.

Some areas have been designated for mounting camera and recording bites. Speaking to MPs or ministers on or off the record elsewhere is forbidden.

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