MEDIA IS SILENT ON AGRICULTURE AND OTHER ISSUES:BHAI DINESH

MEDIA IS SILENT ON AGRICULTURE AND OTHER ISSUES:BHAI DINESH

1-JULY-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------In a democracy, the media is known as the fourth pillar. Its responsibility is not limited merely to political rhetoric, crime reporting, or sensational news; it must also prominently highlight issues of public interest and concern.

Today, there is a need for the media to ask the government questions that directly impact the lives of the common people.

To what extent has the scheme to extend electricity lines, poles, and transformers to farmers' private borewells been implemented over the last five years? How many farmers remain deprived, and why?

How much work regarding the cleaning and repair of canals was completed before the paddy sowing season, and how much remains pending?

How much cleaning of the irrigation channels (*pains*) that carry water from canals to fields has been carried out under MGNREGA?

What is the government's concrete plan to provide employment to the youth?

What steps is the government taking to strengthen primary, secondary, and higher education?

Which schemes are effectively in place to encourage sportspersons at levels ranging from the Panchayat to the state?

What is the government's action plan to curb corruption prevalent in block, circle, sub-divisional, police station, and district offices?

What arrangements have been made to ensure farmers receive a fair price for their produce on time?

When will government tube-wells in rivers, canals, and rural areas—which have been defunct for years—become operational again?

What is the plan to conserve rainwater in traditional water bodies (*ahars*), ponds, and drains for irrigation purposes?

These are questions to which the public has a right to know the answers. Facilitating fact-based discussions and ensuring accountability on these matters is a crucial responsibility of the media.

The media's duty is not to divide society, but to bring public interest issues to the forefront, demand accountability from those in power, and strengthen democracy. Highlighting the problems faced by the agricultural community, farmers, laborers, youth, students, sportspersons, and ordinary citizens is just as essential as broadcasting other news.