Media playing crucial role in strengthening democratic set up: J.C Sharma
The department of Information & Public Relations organised the state level function here today at Hotel Holiday Home on the occasion of National Press Day on the theme ‘who is not afraid of media?’.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Information and Public Relations J.C Sharma said that in a democratic set up, the Press was a vital pillar and the media had a great responsibility for capacity building so that people could contribute efficiently in running this system.
Besides, the media also had onus to provide factual and true information to the masses to maintain a cordial environment in the society so that they were not carried away by the false propaganda of the anti-social elements.
He said that constructive criticism was must for making public opinion and it also help the governments to get proper feedback of the people besides taking corrective measures for their welfare.
He urged the Journalists to also take part in discussions on mygov portal of the state government for their suggestions on various important issues like drug abuse and road safety etc.
He said that Right to Information has a very meaningful and constructive role but sometimes few people try to misuse it and therefore it was necessary that before reporting on information collected through RTI, the media person check the pros and cons to avoid any damage to the society.
He thanked the media for the assistance provided to the state government during the Covid pandemic and said that the state government was always considerate to provide them better work culture.
In his key note address, senior Journalist P.C. Lohumi said that it was high time to introspect why media was losing credibility and suffered decline during last about three decades.
Despite expansion and availability of facilities, the effect of media had gone down and it was becoming more like a business as a result of which, the voice of common man was not being aired.
Director, I&PR Harbans Singh Brascon in his welcome address greeted the media person on the special occasion of National Press Day.
He said the main objective of organising this day was to carry forward the high values of free and transparent of journalism as has been envisaged by the Press Council of India.
He said the media in Himachal Pradesh had been playing a pivotal role in taking policies, programmes and welfare schemes of the state government up to the grass root level besides highlighting the grievances of the common man which helps the government in working as per their expectations and aspirations.
Additional Director, I&PR Arti Gupta, Joint Directors Pradeep Kunwar and Mahesh Pathania and other senior officers were also present on this occasion.
