Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij said that independence of journalists is absolutely essential for a healthy democracy. He said that democracy rests on four pillars—Legislature, Executive, Judiciary and Media/Press—and if even one pillar becomes weak, the entire democratic structure begins to shake.
Addressing journalists as the Chief Guest at a programme organised by the Media Well Being Association at the Kingfisher Tourist Complex in Ambala, Vij said that democracy can survive only when journalists discharge their responsibilities honestly and fearlessly. “In today’s times, journalists must act like CCTV cameras—keeping a vigilant watch on every activity of society, conveying public concerns to the government and taking government achievements and welfare policies to the people, thereby acting as a strong bridge between the two,” he remarked. He further emphasised that journalists must make effective and responsible use of digital technology to ensure that truth reaches the world.
On this occasion, Anil Vij announced a grant of Rs. 31 lakh from his discretionary fund to support the activities of the Media Well Being Association and for the welfare of journalists.
The Energy Minister said that the media serves as the mirror of society and plays a vital role as a strong link between the government and the public. Appreciating the efforts of the Association, he reiterated that in a democratic system, the media has the responsibility to keep a watchful eye on the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. From the freedom struggle to the Emergency period, journalism has primarily served the nation by fulfilling its social responsibility and contributing to nation-building, he said.
Vij observed that modernisation has become an integral part of the media sector and that the digital revolution has empowered journalism. “The pace of digital transformation has put new wheels on journalism. Today, we live in the era of breaking news. The internet and smartphones have taken journalism out of drawing rooms and placed it in the palm of every individual. Any incident occurring anywhere now reaches hundreds of people across the country and abroad within seconds,” he said.
On the occasion, Media Well Being Association President Chandra Shekhar Dharni and Tribune Hindi Editor Naresh Kaushal welcomed the Minister. Dharni informed that the Association, formed four years ago, now has members across North India, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. So far, assistance under accident insurance has been provided to around 1,280 journalists, while 351 journalists have been enrolled under term insurance.