Public Administration Mains 2017 : Model Question and Answer - 2
Public Administration Mains 2017 : Model Question and Answer
(Public Administration Paper I / Chapter: Accountability and Control)
Question : "An antagonistic relationship between media and government represents vital and healthy element of fully functional democracy. Comment" (15 Marks/250 words)
Model Answer :
The freedom enjoyed by media is directly proportional to democratic faith of
a country. A true democratic country gives sufficient freedom to media to create
awareness about socio-political issues and encourages media to be an excellent
platform for presentation of public opinion.
Means of communication has been widely used by state to connect with citizens on
current or proposed policies .It is also being used by potential threats such as
Islamic State to gain more support and sympathy world wide.
In India, freedom of expression is guaranteed by Constitution. There is a strong
role played by media in manifestation of this freedom. Social platforms are
widely used by citizens to discussed impact of current policies and future
course of action. It is through platform provided by media, citizens are able to
express both their problems as well as aspirations. Actions of government on
several issues of political, social and economic importance is deliberated upon
through media.
Recent Delhi assembly elections and sixteenth Lok Sabha elections provide a
clear picture of optimization of media platforms by citizens to develop a
rational thinking and declare unanimous will of the people. Most of our
political leaders are appreciably active on media platforms to get an insight
into thought process of world largest democracy. Media is compared to Parliament
of Citizens because just like latter, citizens get an opportunity to deliberate,
discuss, negotiate and eventually decide the best for the development of nation.
A neutral media, that is independent and transparent must educate the masses on
how it generates its revenues and the source of its content so that they can
discern for themselves on the authenticity of the information. (Total Words-
271)