Right No.
CONFIDENTIAL
INDIA
Rating suggested by Post
Comment by South Asia Department
The marks given by the Post represent the range of marks awarded by various members of the staff. Bearing in mind that the number of detainees compares with a total population of some 610 million, but on the other hand that
the trend has been from a good record before June 1975 to an unsatisfactory one today, we would suggest a mark of 6.
(ii) The extent of the use of torture is negligible. The police have always had the reputation of beating up their prisoners if they need a confession, but this does not amount to government- approved torture. There are however some accounts of maltreatment of suspects.
(iii) The extent of slavery is negligible.
Bonded labour (abolished in British days, and twice abolished since) still exists. This is part of the Indian economic system and the Government tries to stamp it out.
(iv) For television and radio, Government control is complete; for the press, pretty complete. A few newspapers manage to convey their opposition subtly, and occasionally almost outspokenly. But the Government are working towards total control. Under recently passed legislation a citizen can be imprisoned for publication of any matter considered critical of the Government. One of the greatest disincentives to journalists is simply the prospect of the loss of a job.
Before June 1975 the press and radio were free from Government interference.
Comment by South Asia Department
Here again the Post has given the range of marks by the staff. Government policy is certainly to exercise complete control, but it is negative rather than positive; newspapers are told what not to publish rather than what to publish. We would suggest a mark of 8.
CONFIDENTIAL
/(v)
1
6-9