IEP Chandigarh, July 1
Terming the media as the fourth pillar of democracy, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has created an environment where journalists can work freely and carry out their responsibilities without interference. “It also keeps a check on the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary to uphold the values of democracy,” he said.The Health Minister, who was the chief guest at 24th State Annual Meet Of Chandigarh-Punjab Union ofJournalists (CPUJ) organised at MGSIPA here, also released a souvenir. The CPUJ is affiliated to the Indian Journalists Union.After inaugurating the 24th State Annual Meet of Chandigarh-Punjab Union of Journalists, he said that journalism can play a pivotal role to eliminate drugs menace and other social ills in the society. Media acts like a mirror which shows the actual image of society, besides holding governments accountable and promoting transparency. It’s the duty of all Journalists to uphold truth, fairness, and integrity in their work.Urging the media to show the positive side of initiatives and policies of the government, he said that with the advent of social media challenges like misinformation and fake news have also emerged. He categorically said that Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann led Government is fully committed to provide the best possible health care facilities to the people of the Punjab and as many as 580 Aam Aadmi Clinics have already been functioning in the state and out of these around 75% clinics have been opened in rural areas. He further said that Facilitation Centres will also be opened in state hospitals.Extending his best wishes to the doctor fraternity on the National Doctors day, the Health Minister proudly said that he was a doctor, is a doctor and will always be a doctor.In today’s digital age, media literacy is more important than ever and by holding such Annual Meets of media fraternity helps to fight misinformation and maintain a healthy democratic dialogue, he said, while adding that, this meet will instil a sense of pride within the media fraternity and inspire more people to pursue careers in journalism.Underlining the facilities being provided by Punjab Government to journalists, Dr Balbir Singh informed that Health Insurance cover worth Rs 5 lakhs is being given to the Yellow Card Holders and Accredited Journalists and their families. Premium is being paid by the Government of Punjab. In case of the death in an accident, an Accidental Insurance cover of Rs 5 lakhs is being given to the family of the journalist. The government also exempted journalists from paying tolls at all the toll plazas of Punjab State Highways.On the occasion, Founder Indian Journalists Union Suresh Akhouri, President Indian Journalists Union and CPUJ Vinod Kohli, Secretary General Indian Journalists Union Saba Nayakan, General Secretary CPUJ Naveen Sharma and Senior Vice President Anirudh Gupta were present.
