Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Information & Public Relations and Revenue Minister S. Bikram Singh Majithia and Finance Minister S. Parminder Singh Dhindsa were today honoured by press gallery committee of Punjab Vidhan Sabha in view of the various welfare schemes for mediapersons initiated by SAD-BJP government. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister said that journalism occupies a place of great importance in democratic set up and the government has decided to accord free medical and cashless facilities to journalists on par with the government employees. He appealed to the journalists to also showcase and highlight development oriented initiatives of the government and try to refrain from maligning image of Punjab at national and international level by presenting wrong facts.
He said that some opponents are spreading lies by branding Punjab as bankrupt and drug heaven which is in very bad taste. He said that Punjab is in safe hands now and as a consequence of matchless developmental projects being executed by SAD-BJP government, Punjab would scale heights of prosperity. On this occasion, President of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Press Gallery Committee, Mr. Anil Bhardawaj welcomed the decisions benefitting mediapersons taken by the state government and gave a commendation letter to Deputy Chief Minister. He said that this is a morale boosting initiative of government. Besides this, he also appreciated government decision to grant facility of travelling in A.C. buses to accredited mediapersons. At this occasion, Secretary of Press Gallery Committee, Mr. A.S. Parasher said that mediapersons would benefit long term from these welfare initiatives and relations between government and mediapersons would be cordial.