Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has stated that the Indian government is aware of the concerns raised by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding the unregulated content being broadcasted on over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The minister emphasized that the appropriate ministry is actively assessing the situation and contemplating potential measures for addressing these issues.

Worldwide Issues with OTT Regulation

During an interaction with media, Joshi remarked that the problem of ‘unregulated’ OTT content is not confined to India but is a global challenge. He reassured the public that the relevant government department is already investigating the matter and reviewing the inputs received. “We completely agree with that. This is a worldwide problem," he said, indicating that the government remains proactive in dealing with such concerns.

Mohan Bhagwat's Annual Vijayadashami Speech

In his annual speech during Vijayadashami celebrations held in Nagpur, Mohan Bhagwat expressed his anxiety regarding the impact of unregulated OTT content on children and young adults. He articulated his belief that this type of content propagates ‘distorted propaganda’ and ‘poor values,’ which could negatively influence impressionable minds.

Impact on Youth

Bhagwat's address emphasized that the various systems and institutions should reflect on the consequences of such content. He asserted that these issues are contributing to a deterioration of moral standards among the younger generation in India. “The distorted propaganda and poor values spread by various systems and institutions are negatively affecting the minds, words, and deeds of the younger generation in Bharat,” he stated, alarming many aspects of the societal fabric.

Government's Responsibility

As the discussion around media regulation gains traction, it becomes essential for the government to ensure that the content available on OTT platforms aligns with the values that society wishes to uphold. Pralhad Joshi's statements reflect a commitment to reassessing media regulations in light of the evolving digital landscape.

Conclusion

The dialogue initiated by prominent leaders such as Mohan Bhagwat and responses from government officials like Pralhad Joshi highlight a growing awareness of the potential ramifications of unchecked media content. As India continues to navigate the complexities of digital entertainment, the emphasis on content regulation will likely remain a priority moving forward. The need for responsible media practices is more pronounced than ever, calling for cooperation between the government, content creators, and society at large.