India Slips to 150th Rank in Press Freedom

What has happened?

India's ranking in the 2022 edition of Reporters Without Borders' Press Freedom Index dropped to 150th - its lowest ever - out of 180 countries.

Countries are scored on the basis of how freely their journalists can report the facts and how safe the journalists are, even after reporting the wrong-doings of government officials and other powerful people.

The index ranked India as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. This is because, on average, three to four journalists die each year while doing their jobs. According to the index, physical attacks on journalists are common.

What is the government’s opinion regarding the index?

The World Press Freedom Index rank is not accepted by the government. The government rejected the ranking for several reasons, claiming that the report is not really correct.

The government claims that it favours the right to free speech and expression.

The Press Council of India (PCI) looks after press freedom for newspapers and news organisations across the nation.

What do we know about Reporters Without Borders?

Reporters Without Borders, also known as Reporters sans Frontières (RSF), was formed in France in 1985 to improve journalistic freedom worldwide. The organisation's head office is in Paris, France.

RSF defends journalists who have been attacked or are put in jail. It also raises awareness of the abuse and torture of journalists, offers financial support to those who require it (as well as to the families of those who have been imprisoned), and tries to ensure their safety.

However, the organisation and its press freedom index have received criticism. Some say that it favours certain nations in its reporting.

What did we learn from this article?

Media and press are important because it is their job to bring the true facts to people. When journalists write about the wrong-doings of powerful people, they are targeted and their safety is at risk.

We learned that journalists must be protected. People wouldn't be able to make informed decisions without their reports. So, they must be given proper freedom and safety.

How many of you want to become a journalist when you grow up? Please let us know in the comments section.