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''We may not be able to allay the apprehensions of others on POTO but we will certainly do so fully with regard to mediapersons," Advani said presiding over the foundation stone laying ceremony of the National Press Centre in Delhi.
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the chief guest at the function. Both Advani and Vajpayee had worked as journalists in the early part of their careers.
Advani's remarks came a day after the government announced that it would go ahead with the anti-terrorism bill replacing the controversial POTO despite failing to evolve a consensus at an all-party meeting on Tuesday night.
The government is to introduce the bill in the Lok Sabha next week and in the Rajya Sabha in the subsequent week. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) does not enjoy a majority in the Upper House.
The National Press Centre, expected to cost of Rs 300 million, would seek to provide, under one roof, a platform for Indian and foreign journalists as a source of news as well as a dissemination and service centre for providing professional inputs.
It will have a press conference hall with live telecast and online facilities, briefing and discussion rooms, audio-video recording studios, editing services, video conferencing facilities and a film auditorium equipped for post-screening question-answer sessions.
POTO: Complete Coverage
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