Media works like a mirror. It plays a pivotal role in social transformation and at the same time, it acts like a sentry for the conservation of democracy, stated the Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha today after inaugurating a four-day workshop-cum-orientation program for the media persons at Agartala Press Club. Information and Cultural Affairs department, in association with the Agartala Press Club, has organized this media workshop. Media persons of print, electronic, and web media from across the state will be attending this workshop. The chief minister addressing the gathering today said media is the fourth pillar of democracy. So media needs freedom of speech. Otherwise, people will not get the correct information. The state government also believes in the freedom of media.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister further said the present state government is most media-friendly, and it reflects in its work. It has already taken several steps for the welfare of media and media persons. This policy of the government will continue to be reflected in the future also. He said training is a very important aspect to hone someone’s skill. And it is also very important to maintain one’s skill or excellence in performance. He believes this kind of workshop will enhance the performance of media persons.
Addressing the audience, the secretary of the ICA Department, Dr. P.K. Chakraborty, said in the age of technological advancement, this kind of workshop is the need of the hour. It will prove helpful in preparing news, features, etc. Media also has a role to play in disseminating information on the policy and guidelines of the government to the public. The state government expects the media to present constructive news. Referring to the earlier media workshops, he also said that the state government had taken the initiative to implement various welfare measures like an increase in the pension amount, the introduction of an insurance scheme, a modified advertisement policy, etc., for the welfare of the media fraternity.
On behalf of the Agartala Press Club, its secretary Ramakanta Dey said the state government is sincere enough towards the welfare of media persons. The introduction of an insurance scheme for them is one such reflection. The welcome address was given by the director of ICA, Bimbisar Bhattacharjee. About 300 media persons of print, electronic, and web media will take part in the workshop. Eight resource persons will be there to give their best input during the workshop. Among others, the president of Agartala Press Club, Jayanta Bhattacharjee, and the editor of PTI (Eastern region) also spoke on the occasion.