Hyderabad: The Telangana government has barred media persons from attending general body meetings of municipal corporations, municipalities and standing committees to cover the proceedings.
The media persons have always been a part of these meetings, and the decision to bar the media has taken many by surprise.
In its circulars to mayors and chairpersons, the municipal administration and urban development department has directed that the media be briefed regarding proceedings of council or general body and standing committee meetings after they are over. In the circular, dated April 27, the department has indirectly told the mayors and chairpersons of urban local bodies not to allow the media persons to attend the meetings.
Official sources, however, said that this circular was issued to ensure that general body meetings of municipal corporations and municipalities go smoothly.
Opposition members, often blow up small issues to attract the media attention. Due to this, officials claim that the meetings of municipal bodies don’t run smoothly.
