Govt. must upgrade the degrading Free Press in India; Free Press an essential to a Developing Society
A relation between the Free Press and Vibrant Democracy

A free press is essential to a democracy. Free Media holds the Government accountable, and a free press is the first indication of a healthy democracy. The motto of the Free Press is, "Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable" by reporting the Truth.
A Free Press's job is to show the Truth to the People and let People make a perception of the news. But, a few sponsored or biased Media try to get people to perceive their hidden goals and agenda. The fundamental idea is that people must learn what is going on to make good decisions. Access to good information allows people to make informed choices. Misinformation can trick people into making incorrect choices.
Every year on 16th November, National Press Day is observed to celebrate the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI). In 2022, India marks the 56th anniversary of the Press Council of India. It is also stressed how essential it is to have free media or independent Press in the Country, and it is frequently referred to as the voice of the powerless since the free Press acts as a common communication channel.

In the 2022 World Press Freedom Index, India has fallen to 150 out of 180 countries. The countries lower than India include

  • Sudan (151),
  • Russia (155),
  • Pakistan (157),
  • Bangladesh (162), and
  • China (175)
The ranking is established on the performance of the respective Country in 5 broad categories - Political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context, and safety of journalists. India's ranking was lowest in the protection of journalists category (163) and the finest in the legal framework category (120).
Free Press is A Power to Speak, a Power to Dissent, and essentially it Democratizes the whole Society that deepens the very foundations of Democracy in a Country or State. It works as a tool of Liberalism.
Media is also likely to be weak and one-sided if the Media is not free and independent, and there would be a lack of support for the Marginalized and Vulnerable Sections of Society.