The Hindu Business Line : Access to information denied

AN executive order from the Commerce Secretary, Mr Dipak Chatterjee, has barred any interaction between the functionaries of the Department of Commerce and mediapersons.

While the reason for this sudden ban was said to be certain published reports that had not emanated from the authorised channels, informed sources told Business Line that presumably, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr Kamal Nath, was quite upset over the publication of some unsubstantiated reports about him.

The order, dated July 16, reminded the Department officials of the standing instructions regarding who is authorised to interact with the press representatives/correspondents. It warned that any departure would be viewed seriously.

As a result, even senior-level officials, who normally interact with the accredited journalists, have become unusually reticent.

What is more, officials said that another order issued on July 26 categorically stated that no one should authorise issue of gate passes to press representatives to enter the Department of Commerce.

Correspondents covering the beat have been left wondering what to make of this abrupt ban that curtailed their entry into Government offices to discharge their professional chores.

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