Democracy gets a new direction from fair and fearless journalism: Chief Minister Baghel
Chhattisgarh Government committed to strengthen the fourth pillar of democracy,
Raipur 15 November 2022
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has greeted and greeted the people of the media world on the occasion of National Press Day. Mr. Baghel has said that the media world gives a new direction to democracy with fair and fearless journalism. Media makes citizens aware of their rights and responsibilities and enables them in the interest of the country and the public. He said that freedom of expression is the hallmark and cornerstone of our democracy. National Press Day draws attention to the freedom and responsibilities of the press.
Shri Baghel said that the State Government is continuously working towards providing better facilities for journalists in Chhattisgarh. Efforts have been made so that maximum number of journalists can get the benefit of facilities by making necessary amendments in the provisions. Senior Media Personnel Samman Nidhi has been increased from Rs. 5 thousand to Rs. 10 thousand per month. The limit of financial assistance to needy journalists from the Journalists Welfare Fund has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh. In the interest of journalists, their retirement age has been increased from 60 years to 62 years by the Labor Department of the State Government. Keeping in view the changing nature of media, TV channels, web-portals, News magazine and news agency journalists are also being given preference. Under the new rules, for the first time in the state, a provision has been made for preferential treatment for development block level journalists. The process of enacting the Journalist Protection Act in the state is also in the final stage. Mr. Baghel said that the state government is committed to strengthening the fourth pillar of democracy and will continue to work in this direction.
