New Delhi: Calling for fast tracking of development to build a resurgent and resilient India, Vice President of India and Chairman of Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu has stressed on the need for dialogue among and constructive action by all the stakeholders and bringing an end to disruptions in the legislatures.
Speaking at the launch of Sansad TV in New Delhi on Wednesday, Naidu emphasized the need for strengthening parliamentary democracy, enabling equitable development and empowering every citizen to be an agent of positive transformation and the critical role of media in fulfilling this agenda.
Calling for meaningful debates echoing people's aspirations in the legislatures, Naidu said; "The loud disruptive noise should not drown the voice of people. The debates should amplify concerns, clarify doubts and deepen shared understanding. Debates in the legislatures throw up solutions to the problems. But disruptions only dissipate our collective energies and delay the task of building a new India."
Referring to the role of media in parliamentary democracy, the VP observed that the phenomenal expansion of television, social and digital media has thrown up the challenge of 'fake news' and 'sensationalism' and separating 'truth' from 'falsehood' has become difficult.
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Elaborating on the need for vital connection between parliamentary democracy and an aware and enlightened citizenry, Naidu urged the MEDIA to function as Means of Empowerment for Development through Informed Actions by the citizens.
Naidu informed that the YouTube subscriber base of RSTV has increased from a mere 4.50 lakhs in August, 2017 to 60 lakhs now marking an increase of 1400% and this reflects growing demand for a wide range of information and perspectives about the functioning of the Parliament and the democratic and law making processes in an objective manner.
He further said that Sansad TV has been conceived accordingly to fully meet this rising demand by synergizing the resources of RSTV and LSTV.
Noting that building a new India of the dreams and vision of freedom fighters and the hopes and aspirations of young India is a nation in progress, Naidu said that the Narendra Modi Government has embarked on an ambitious development agenda that seeks to improve the quality of life of all citizens.
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Stating that over the last 75 years, successive governments have worked towards establishing institutions that contribute to nation building and enabled several accomplishments, Naidu referred to the challenges still to be met.
Referring to the key role of Parliament and State Legislatures in meeting such challenges, Naidu called for dialogue and constructive action to meet them.
