Need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Pic/PTI

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said there is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media platforms, reported news agency PTI.

In the Lok Sabha, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said the Parliamentary Standing Committee should take up the issue and also called for a consensus to frame more strict laws in this regard, reported PTI.

Earlier, there were editorial checks and it was decided whether something was right or wrong but those checks have ended. Today, social media is a platform for freedom of press but it is uncontrolled and there is vulgar content, the minister said during the Question Hour, reported PTI.

There is a need to make existing laws more stringent laws to curb vulgar content on social media platforms, Vaishnaw said amid din in the House.

He was responding to questions by BJP member Arun Govil about existing mechanisms to check telecast of vulgar and sex-related content through social media platforms illegally and whether the government proposes to make the existing laws more stringent keeping in view the fact that the said laws are not much effective to stop misuse of these platforms, reported PTI.

Railways recruited 5 lakh employees since 2014: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said the department recruited five lakh employees in the last decade, a number slightly higher than the previous decade, reported PTI.

He made the statement at the national convention of the All India SC/ST Railway Employees Association, held on Ajani Railway Ground in Nagpur.

The minister said the recruitment number between 2004 and 2014 was 4.4 lakh, reported PTI.

He also highlighted the introduction of an annual recruitment calendar for the first time in Indian Railways' history.

According to a press release, the event was attended by the association president B L Bhairava, Central Railway General Manager Dharamveer Meena, and South East Central Railway General Manager Neenu, reported PTI.

It said Vaishnaw also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gesture of giving a bow to the Constitution before entering Parliament.

"Respect for the Constitution goes beyond symbolism; it is reflected in action," he said ahead of the Constitution Day on Tuesday, reported PTI.

The minister said 12,000 general coaches are currently under production.

Vaishnaw at the event unveiled a souvenir commemorating the association's efforts and earlier paid his tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar at the Central Memorial in Deekshabhoomi.

(With inputs from PTI)