Vigilant media a must for healthy democracy: Assam CM

GUWAHATI:

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised on the significance of a vigilant media for a healthy democracy while speaking at the state-level programme on National Press Day here on Monday.

“A vigilant media is a prerequisite to keep a democratic society robust and healthy. Media must make the government accountable before the public, and constructive criticism is necessary to keep the government on track,” Sonowal said.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, media persons were at the forefront and did not shy away from their duties, despite their health being at risk,” he said.

Admitting that the COVID-19 pandemic has also negatively impacted the media sector along with other sectors, Sonowal said the state government has been taking various steps for the welfare of the journalist fraternity and would launch more such schemes in the future as well.

The Chief Minister also referred to his visits to 36 districts during the coronavirus-induced lockdown and appreciated the role played by the media witnessed during the tours.

"Along with the health, police, public health engineering, fire, power departments, media persons also played a key role in the dissemination of information during the COVID-19 pandemic and acted as a bridge between the government and people," Sonowal said.

(Edited by Ladiangti Rani)

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