Monday, July 24 2006 11:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government yesterday (July 23, 2006) set at rest all speculation over introduction of the controversial Broadcast Services Regulation Bill in the Monsoon session of Parliament beginning today (July 24, 2006) saying it would bring any measure only after taking media into confidence.

"The Bill has not yet been considered by Cabinet. The question of bringing it in this session does not arise", Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters.

Noting that there has been 'speculation, gossip, apprehensions, misapprehensions' about the Bill, he said that unless media as a whole is taken into confidence, government has no plans to bring the measure.

Dasmunsi said he would will meet top representatives from the media and entertainment industry early next month to take stock of their views on the measure. There have been apprehensions in the industry over the alleged 'draconian' provisions in the proposed legislation.

The Government has already initiated steps to take stock of the industry's views on the subject after being under attack for including proposals in the Bill that could give it overarching powers to control and manage the media.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary S K Arora has had a series of meetings with the industry representatives and assured them that they would be consulted before the Bill is presented in Parliament.