TV WATCH
April 2011 . Week 2
Fight against corruption, cheating and superstition picks up in state |
 |
|
|
This week IBN-Lokmat in their news section presented two issues, one related to
tackling superstition and the other being state government's failure to check
the corruption in distribution of Agricultural machinery and cows to the farmers
in Vidharbha region, under the Prime Minister's aid. It clearly showed, how the
grant was being misused by the agencies by distributing sub-standard quality of
machinery and sick and injured cows, forcing more and more farmers to commit
suicide. What was more appealing was that the Editor-n-chief Mr. Nikhil Wagle
of IBN Lokmat, clearly hinted that his channel was now all set to tackle the
issues of farmers in Maharashtra and that they will continue to highlight all
such related issues, to invite the attention of one and all.
In the removal of superstition programme, the channel had invited Andhashraddha
Nirmulan Samiti chief Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, who spoke online, answering the
questions posed by people from different segments of the society. "It's all the
creation of mind and I appeal to all those people not to fall prey to such kind
of superstition. For any help, my volunteers are spread across the state to help
all those who are affected by superstition," he appealed. He said that some TV
serials and films were responsible for spreading superstition.
Mr. Dabholkar
also stated that the State Government is soon implementing an act to curb such
practices by the people who exploit the society in the name of superstition.
In their Breaking News on 12th April,
Star Majha presented a report
on a strange happening in Osmanabad. It indicated that the Court had pulled up
the Police station authorities, for their nexus with a builder from Pimpri-
Chinchwad, while implicating a family with false charges. The channel went on to
show how the bogus operation was carried out by the police with the help of an
agent of a builder to harass the family members. The builder also dared to visit
Osmanabad Jail, to pressurize the family members. They called it a scene from a
film, where a villain plays his dirty games and yet moves Scot-free with the
blessings of the police. The channel questioned as to why the Home department of
the state had not initiated action against the guilty police officer and the
builder, even after the court hearing. Subsequent to this report, the channel
disclosed the very next day that the Home Minister had initiated action against
those found guilty. This clearly indicates the role of media in opening eyes of
the state government.
Zee 24 Taas presented an exclusive news report on an unhygienic roadside Pani
Puri stall at Bhaskar colony, Naupada, Thane; where the vendor sold the items
using the same pot, which he used to urinate at the same place, taking the
shelter of a drum. A girl living in the neighborhood had carried the sting
operation through her video camera to caution the people who ate at such
roadside stalls. When the channel brought this incidence to the notice of the
Municipal Commissioner Mr. Rajeev, he agreed to take stern action against such
stall owners in Thane.
The victory of Anna Hazare on his fight against the corruption and the
implementation of Jan Lokpal Bill, is now being debated on Marathi news channels
with those in opposition still trying to oppose Anna Hazare's move. Centre
Minister Kapil Sibal was the first to speak against the implementation of the
Bill, but when the cool headed Anna and Ex-IPS office Kiran Bedi, asked him to
resign from the committee, if he did not agree; he took back his words and tried
to defend himself on such utterances. Similarly, those speaking against Anna are
getting exposed in front of the viewers, for not talking in public interest, but
trying to protect their own interest. Some of the allegations against Anna,
clearly showed how a political party was trying to save the face of their
leader.
On the auspicious Ram Navami day, the News channels also gave the report about
the rising opposition from Women's group and some political parties, over the
issue of not admitting women into the sanctum of the Mahalaxmi temple in
Kolhapur. The news also highlighted that the court case filed by Dr. Narendra
Dabholkar was pending due to court decision for the past so many years. But,
very next day we witnessed in the news some BJP women party activists forcing
themselves into the sanctum. There were debates on this issue, trying to place
the point as to why women are not allowed, when the state government is now
ready to admit 50% women at panchayat level, after passing the bill.
by Ulhas Shirke © MMW
|
|
|
|
