Nagpur: During an event in Nagpur, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari criticized certain journalists for misusing the Right to Information (RTI) Act for personal gain. Speaking at the Anil Kumar Memorial Journalism Award Ceremony organized by the Nagpur Press Club, Gadkari highlighted how some journalists exploit RTI to engage in blackmail and unethical practices.
Gadkari labeled such individuals as “Supari Journalists,” and shared an incident from his tenure as a minister. He described how a journalist repeatedly used RTI to blackmail officials in the Public Works Department (PWD). Gadkari recounted advising his officers to confront the journalist, which led to the eventual shutdown of the publication involved.
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Monday 07 Oct. 2024
The minister also mentioned a separate case in Marathwada, where a journalist allegedly harassed an official over advertisements, even filing a police complaint against the official. Gadkari expressed concern over the increasing misuse of authority by such journalists and urged media organizations to ensure responsible distribution of press credentials.
Despite these issues, Gadkari acknowledged the presence of ethical journalists who remain committed to their principles. He praised those who upheld journalistic integrity, even in the face of adversity, such as during the Emergency, when many journalists refused to compromise their values.
