Govt to introduce pension scheme for journalists: Hek

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 16, 2019

SHILLONG: The state government has announced its decision to introduce the pension scheme for retired working journalists in the state.

This was informed by the Information & Public Relations Minister AL Hek while addressing at the National Press Day celebration organized by the Shillong Press Club in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Relations here on Saturday.

Hek said that the government has made considerable efforts in addressing the issues and concerns of media persons in the state and more significantly in terms of financial assistance to the accredited journalists through the Journalist Welfare Scheme.

“The government is also in the process of initiating ways and means to introduce the Pension Scheme for retired working journalists of Meghalaya and also to enhance the Corpus of the Journalist Welfare Scheme for the benefit of local accredited working journalists,” Hek announced.

In line with this year “Reporting, Interpretation: A Journey”, the minister said in an era of fake news and misinformation, especially in the realm of social media, it is incumbent upon the press fraternity to play a more proactive role by giving more prominence to positive stories emanating from the efforts of the government, various other institutions and stakeholders to facilitate better understanding of the positive interventions aimed at the overall welfare of the citizens of the state.

Stating that freedom of the press in India forms part of the freedom of expression which is guaranteed by the Constitution as a fundamental right, the minister said “Protection of this right is our bounded duty.”

According to him, in a democracy, various challenges will emerge from time to time which should be addressed collectively by all concerned.

He further said that the new media has brought about a convergence between traditional, audio visual, digital and social media adding it has become a powerful means for shaping the ideas, aspirations and behavior of the people, even in the remotest corners of the country.

“Hence, the media is entrusted with added responsibilities, which entails them to monitor issues pertaining to public interest and giving voice to the marginalized,” Hek added.

The resource persons Manas Chaudhuri, founder president of SPC and Rizaul Hassan Laskar, overseas correspondent Hindustan Times also spoke at length on the theme.

Meanwhile, over 17 senior journalists were also felicitated by the SPC as a mark of recognition and acknowledgment of their contributions to journalism in Meghalaya for more than 25 years. The mementoes were presented by the chief guest to the senior journalists.

Also prizes were distributed to winners of the different competitions which include Basketball, Football and Carom board organized as part of the celebration.