Write the correct sequence of the following committees:
(A) Vidyalankar Committee, RR Diwakar Committee, Kuldip Nayyar Committee, Parthasarathi Committee
(B) Parthasarathi Committee, Vidyalankar Committee, RR Diwakar Committee, Kuldip Nayyar Committee
(C) Kuldip Nayyar Committee, Parthasarathi Committee, Vidyalankar Committee, RR Diwakar Committee
(D) RR Diwakar Committee, Kuldip Nayyar Committee, Parthasarathi Committee, Vidyalankar Committee
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
To answer this question accurately, we must understand the timeline and context in which these key media-related committees were formed in India. Each committee played a crucial role in shaping India’s media policies, regulations, and press freedom frameworks.
- Vidyalankar Committee (1948):
This committee was among the earliest media-related committees in post-independence India. It laid the groundwork for structuring a coherent press policy and emphasized the importance of a free press in a democratic setup. - RR Diwakar Committee (1954):
Established shortly after the first general elections, this committee focused on press laws and ethics. It advocated press responsibility and recommended reforms to balance freedom and accountability. - Kuldip Nayyar Committee (1977):
Formed during the post-Emergency period, this committee reviewed press restrictions and proposed liberal measures to restore media freedom. It highlighted the misuse of censorship and called for greater autonomy in news agencies like UNI and PTI. - Parthasarathi Committee (1980):
This committee evaluated the functioning of broadcasting in India. It recommended transforming Doordarshan and All India Radio into autonomous bodies. It also emphasized the need for a national broadcasting policy responsive to democratic values.
Thus, we can clearly establish the correct chronological order as: Vidyalankar Committee → RR Diwakar Committee → Kuldip Nayyar Committee → Parthasarathi Committee, which corresponds to Option (A).
This order reflects the evolution of India’s media ecosystem from post-independence press structuring to modern broadcasting autonomy debates. Understanding these committees helps one grasp how media policy gradually adapted to political, technological, and social changes in India.
