THOUGHT ON ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN DEMOCRACY: BHAI DINESH

THOUGHT ON ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN DEMOCRACY: BHAI DINESH

7-JUNE-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------Some time ago, amidst rising inflation and the escalating prices of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas, various media outlets reported that the country's honorable Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, District Magistrates (DMs), Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), judicial officers, and other high-ranking officials were taking initiatives to convey a message of simplicity—such as using fewer vehicles, walking, or utilizing public transport.

At that time, these reports were widely publicized, conveying the message to the public that the government and administration were setting an example by acknowledging the challenge posed by inflation.

Today, the question arises: what is the current status of those initiatives? Were they merely symbolic gestures lasting a day or a few days, or are they still being followed with the same spirit? If they are being continued, the public should be informed; if not, there should be an open discussion regarding the reasons behind it.

I believe that the responsibility of the fourth pillar of democracy—the media—is not merely to showcase the launch of an initiative but also to review its outcomes and continuity. Demanding accountability from public representatives, administrative officials, and all those holding public office strengthens the democratic system.

The media should impartially ask: while the common citizen bears the burden of inflation, what examples of simplicity, prudent resource utilization, and public sensitivity are being set by public representatives and the official class? This is not a criticism of any specific individual, but a democratic demand for transparency and accountability.

Democracy is strengthened, governance becomes more responsive, and public trust grows when the media raises issues of public interest based on facts. Therefore, it is the duty and obligation of the 'fourth pillar' of democracy to present the true state of the nation and society to the public without bias.