SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 29: Director Information, Jammu and Kashmir, Mamta Yadav, on Thursday said that the proposed new media policy for the Union Territory is currently under examination and is expected to be finalised at the earliest after completion of the necessary procedural formalities.
The Director Information stated that the department had already submitted the draft policy to the concerned authorities and was continuously responding to queries and observations raised during its examination.
She explained that the formulation and approval of a government policy involved a prescribed process and that the department was actively working towards completing the remaining requirements.
Highlighting the changing media landscape, Yadav said the proposed policy would incorporate emerging areas of communication that were not adequately addressed under the existing framework, particularly the growing importance of social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
She observed that social media had expanded considerably and emerged as an important medium for information dissemination, public awareness and communication between government institutions and citizens.
The Director Information said these developments had been taken into consideration while preparing the draft policy.
The proposed media policy assumes significance in view of discussions held during the recently concluded autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, where legislators expressed concern over the proliferation of unregulated social media news platforms, online trolling and the circulation of misleading information.
On September 30, 2026, Education and Health Minister Sakina Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly that the Government was working on a new media policy and that the Information Department had been given four months to formulate the guidelines.
The matter was raised by National Conference MLA Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, who sought appropriate measures to address the alleged misuse of social media platforms and online attacks against public representatives.
During the discussion, several legislators emphasised the need for greater accountability in digital communication, while others highlighted the importance of ensuring that any proposed regulatory framework did not undermine press freedom or legitimate public expression.
Minister Sakina Itoo also observed that responsibility for the misuse of social media could not be attributed exclusively to media organisations, as political representatives and other stakeholders also had a role in maintaining responsible public communication.
The proposed policy is expected to provide an updated framework reflecting the evolving requirements of print, electronic and digital communication in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the specific provisions relating to social media platforms, government advertising, eligibility criteria, newspaper empanelment and other operational matters have not yet been officially disclosed.
The final scope and implications of the new policy will become clear following its approval and formal notification by the Government.
The proposed framework has attracted attention from newspaper publishers, journalists, digital media organisations and other stakeholders who are awaiting clarity regarding future media-related guidelines and procedures.
Director Information Mamta Yadav expressed hope that the examination process would be completed soon, paving the way for finalisation of the policy.
The new media policy is anticipated to address the changing communication environment while providing an opportunity to strengthen transparency, accountability and responsible information dissemination across Jammu and Kashmir.