Tripura Government is ready to go whole hog against the drug menace which is ruining the young generation of the State and the media needs to play a big role in helping the government to make Neshamukt Tripura campaign a success, said Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha.
Expressing serious concern, Dr Saha said, drug menace is a matter of grave concern as it is ruining a whole generation. He referred to the recent file theft case in police headquarters and said the theft was committed by drug-addicts, as per police report.
The media has a crucial role in combating drug menance and building a healthy society, Dr Saha said while addressing the fourth state conference of Tripura Electronics Media Society at Agartala Press Club on Sunday.
Exposing the root of the supply chain is crucial in combating drug menace and media can play a crucial role.
Dr Saha also pointed out media friendly approach of the incumbent government and urged the media to highlight the truth after proper cross verification of available information.
Minister for Information and Cultural Affairs Sushanta Chowdhury, Director Ratan Biswas, Secretary of Agartala Press Club Pranab Sarkar and other senior journalists and delegates of various media houses were present in the conference.
Speaking on the occasion, Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury highlighted government’s initiatives for the betterment of media fraternity like giving accreditation cards, health insurance etc. He also said budget for advertisement in media by the government increased from Rs 40 crore to Rs 65 crore.
Chowdhury also pointed out that government is giving advertisements to all the media without considering its political affiliation. He also mentioned the incumbent government is sensitive about the security and safety of the media persons. Press jackets were distributed among the media persons for this purpose and many more such press jackets would be distributed.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Pratima Bhowmik and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb joined the conference in the next part.
Pratima Bhoumik said, Media is the mirror of society. They will highlight the good works of the government in front of the people so that to generate awareness among the beneficiaries.
And also, they will highlight the mistakes of the government and give them an opportunity to correct them.
Addressing the gathering, Biplab Deb said, incumbent government has taken several steps for the welfare of the media persons. He also said, breaking away from the paid or yellow journalism, authentic and positive news coverage will help in forming correct public opinion in the society.