Dhami hails media as fourth pillar of democracy

DEHRADUN, 4 Jan: Describing the media as the fourth pillar of democracy,  Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised on the state’s commitment to supporting press representatives in news collection. He announced an increase in the corpus fund of the Journalist Welfare Fund and directed officials to start a group insurance scheme for journalists. Additionally, he mentioned plans to facilitate accommodation and work arrangements for media personnel from remote areas. Dhami was attending the oath-taking ceremony of new executive of the Uttaranchal Press Club at IRDT Auditorium, Survey Chowk, here on Saturday.

Addressing the Club members and other journalists present on the occasion, the Chief Minister acknowledged the media‘s support during the freedom struggle and the statehood movement, and mentioned the commendable social and public awareness work done by the Uttaranchal Press Club. Dhami also hailed the media‘s significant role in publicising public facilities and welfare schemes. He outlined the government’s efforts to involve everyone in Uttarakhand’s development, recognised at the national level. He reminded that the state has achieved the top position in the country for Sustainable Development Goals by NITI Aayog, reduced the unemployment rate to 4.4 per cent, and attracted significant investment, ranking first among Himalayan states.

Dhami also spoke about the successful initiation of the winter Chardham Yatra, which is boosting local self-employment and strengthening the economy. He asserted that the government is committed to implementing the Uniform Civil Code and better land laws to ensure proper land use in Uttarakhand. He also reminded that a Pravasi Sammelan  is scheduled for January 12 to connect non-resident Uttarakhandis with their roots and encourage their contributions to the state.

During the programme, two minutes of silence was observed as a tribute to a young journalist Girish Bhandari who passed away on Saturday evening.

Bhupendra Kandhari, President of the new executive of the Uttaranchal Press Club, appreciated the government’s previous decisions for journalists’ welfare. The event also witnessed participation of Founder-President Devendra Bhasin, Director General Information Banshidhar Tiwari, General Secretary of the club Surendra Dasila, Vice-President Abhishek Kumar Mishra, former Presidents’ Naveen Thaledi, Vikas Dhulia, Chetan Gurung, Ajay Rana, and other office bearers and media persons.