Fatehabad:- Under the auspices of Bhartiya Patrakar Kalyan Manch (Regd.), the Rashtriya Patrakarita Smriti Award Ceremony was organized at AM Suit in Tohana. Journalists, social workers and eminent citizens from across the state participated in the program. The ceremony was presided over by the National President of the Manch, Pawan Ashri, while INLD Haryana State President and former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Rampal Majra and Municipal Council Tohana Chairman Naresh Bansal were present as chief guests.
The program began with lighting of lamp before the picture of Goddess Saraswati. Journalists and social workers who made remarkable contribution in the field of journalism, social service and public interest were honoured with the Rashtriya Patrakarita Smriti Award. Pawan Ashri said that journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy and Bhartiya Patrakar Kalyan Manch is continuously working for their honour and protection of their rights.
In his address, Pawan Ashri, while questioning the working of the Department of Information, Public Relations and Languages (DIPR), mentioned problems such as cancellation of accreditation of journalists, delay in constitution of the Journalist Accreditation Committee, pendency of files related to pension, eligible journalists not getting government accommodation and stopping of advertisements of small and medium newspapers. He demanded early resolution of these issues and action against the concerned officers.
Chief Guest Rampal Majra, describing independent, impartial and responsible journalism as the foundation stone of democracy, supported the demands of the Manch. He said that if INLD government is formed in Haryana, priority will be given to solving the problems of journalists. He also supported the demand of reducing the age limit for journalist pension to 55 years and minimum pension to Rs 50,000 per month.
Municipal Council Chairman Naresh Bansal said that fearless journalism is the biggest strength of society and democracy. In the program, journalists and office bearers from various districts resolved to work unitedly to strengthen the organization and protect the interests of journalists. Speakers also expressed their views on security of journalists, rights and changing media scenario. In the end, the organizers expressed gratitude to all guests and collaborators.