On the occasion of National Press Day, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has congratulated and extended best wishes to the people of the media world. Mr. Baghel has said that the media world provides a new direction to democracy through fair and fearless journalism. Media makes citizens aware of their rights and responsibilities and enables them to work in the interest of the country and the public. He said that freedom of expression is the specialty and foundation stone of our democracy. National Press Day draws attention to the freedom and responsibilities of the press. Mr. Baghel said that the state government is constantly working towards providing better facilities for journalists in Chhattisgarh. Efforts have been made to make necessary amendments in the provisions so that more and more journalists can get the benefit of the facilities. Senior media worker Samman Nidhi has been increased from Rs.5000 to Rs.10000 per month. The limit of financial assistance to needy journalists from the Journalist 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 State Government’s Labor Department. Looking at the changing nature of media, T.V. Journalists of channels, web-portals, news magazines and news agencies 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. Like this:Like Loading… Continue Reading
Leave a Reply