PIB News Fact Check

• 21 Mar 2024

The Centre's wavering stance on the fact check unit involves dropping and reinstating the PIB amid credibility concerns.

• Initially, IT Ministry proposed PIB's fact check unit for legal powers in January 2023.
• In April, final rules omitted PIB due to credibility worries but reinstated in recent notification.
• Concerns over PIB's capacity and public credibility prompted the initial exclusion.
• IT Ministry's plan for a new fact check unit halted by lawsuits challenging validity.
• Bombay High Court's split verdict delayed progress until recently.
• With elections nearing, government prioritized quick notification, opting for existing PIB unit.
• Efforts for a separate unit halted due to time constraints and election preparations.