Two senior journalists in Assam have made headlines. They recently decided to return smartphones gifted to them by the state government. This development occurred during a New Year event hosted by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. While the state intended the devices as a goodwill gesture, the decision to return them has sparked a debate on journalistic independence.
The journalists involved are Umanand Jaiswal of The Telegraph and Bikash Singh of The Economic Times. By choosing to return the government-gifted mobile phones, they have highlighted the importance of maintaining a distance between the press and the establishment. This move comes at a sensitive time, as Assam prepares for its Assembly elections in the coming months.
Read More: Tripura CM: Practical Education Through Modern Technology is Key
A Tradition of State-Funded Gifts
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in Assam has a long-standing tradition of giving annual gifts. In previous years, these items included laptop bags, leather folders, and water bottles. However, this year the scale of the gift was significantly higher. The government planned to distribute Samsung Galaxy F17 smartphones to over 2,200 registered journalists.
Each of these government-gifted mobile phones is valued between Rs 12,000 and Rs 16,000. While many media professionals accepted the devices at the Chief Minister’s press conference in Guwahati, others felt differently. For Jaiswal and Singh, accepting a high-value electronic device from the government felt like a compromise. Consequently, they returned the phones to the DIPR officials shortly after receiving them.
The Ethical Debate in the Media
The decision to return the government-gifted mobile phones has been widely discussed on social media. Many fellow journalists and civil society members have praised the duo. They argue that accepting such gifts could influence a reporter’s ability to remain objective. In a democracy, the media acts as a watchdog. Therefore, any perception of being “bought” by the ruling party can damage public trust.
On the other hand, government officials maintain that the gifts are merely a token of appreciation. They point out that past administrations have also provided similar support. For example, in 2011, the Congress government distributed laptops to accredited journalists. Despite these explanations, the critics remain firm. They believe that during an election year, such gestures can be seen as an attempt to win over the media fraternity.
Political Context of the Assembly Elections
Assam is expected to head for its next Assembly elections within the next four months. During this period, the state government often launches various welfare schemes and outreach programs. In addition to the government-gifted mobile phones, the Chief Minister recently announced direct benefit transfers for students and women. These include the “Babu Asoni” program and advance payments for the “Orunodoi” scheme.
Because the political climate is so charged, even routine gifts are viewed through a political lens. The opposition has often accused the ruling party of using state resources for campaign purposes. By returning the phones, the two journalists have effectively distanced themselves from this political narrative. Their action serves as a reminder that the role of the media is to report on the government, not to be a beneficiary of its largesse.
Upholding the Integrity of the Fourth Estate
Professional integrity is the cornerstone of credible journalism. When Jaiswal and Singh returned the government-gifted mobile phones, they reinforced this principle. Their peers have noted that such individual stands are necessary to protect the collective reputation of the press. In an era of “fake news” and “paid media,” maintaining a clear boundary is more important than ever.
Furthermore, this incident has encouraged a broader conversation about how journalists should interact with the state. While access to government officials is necessary for reporting, accepting expensive favors is generally discouraged by international journalistic codes of conduct. Thus, the act of returning the phones is seen as a victory for the “Fourth Estate” in Assam.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Professional Standards
The story of the two journalists who decided to return their government-gifted mobile phones is a powerful one. It shows that even small individual actions can have a large impact on public perception. While the government continues its distribution to thousands of other reporters, the stance taken by Jaiswal and Singh remains a significant moment in Assam’s media history.
Ultimately, the credibility of a journalist is their most valuable asset. By prioritizing their ethics over a new smartphone, these reporters have set a high standard for their colleagues. As Assam moves closer to the polls, the eyes of the public will be on both the government’s actions and the media’s response to them.