Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the media workshop cum orientation programme organized by ICA department in association with Agartala Press Club at Agartala Press Club on Wednesday.

Addressing in the inaugural ceremony Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said the common people have the right to know about the working of their government. People want to be aware of the happenings around them and it is because of media that the people are aware of what is happening around them. Media is a mirror of the society. It not only bridges the gap between the government and the general public but also provides information about what is happening in other parts of the world. Media is the watchdog of all the activities which happen in the society, he added.

He said that freedom of press is necessary for strengthening democracy. He urged upon the media houses and journalists to ensure constructive news coverage for better functioning of the state administration. The present government is media-friendly and hence the journalists should be more cautious in writing news to ensure that correct information is rendered for the general public, he added.

“The state government has already taken many steps for the welfare of the media and journalists. This effort will continue in the coming days,” he said, adding that underlining the mistakes of the government in the media also helps the government in running the administration flawlessly.

Dr. Saha however expressed hope that the workshop would increase the excellence in work for the journalists.

Secretary of the Department of Information and Culture Affairs Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty, who remained present in the inaugural session also addressed the gathering and said that such workshops are very necessary in the era of technological advancement. Media also plays an important role in underlining and promoting various policies and guidelines of the state government meant for the welfare of the people, he said.

Over 300 journalists from print, electronic and web media will participate in this 4-day long workshop.

Director of ICA Department Bimbisar Bhattacharya, Editor of PTI (Eastern Region) Jayanta Roy Choudhury, Secretary of Agartala Press Club Ramakanta Dey and President of Agartala Press Club Jayanta Bhattacharya were also present in the inaugural ceremony.