Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal today advised the media persons to use their journalism in the interest of nation and society and stay away from yellow journalism. He also advised them to provide their support in giving the society a new direction with positive thinking.The Chief Minister was addressing the people in a State Level Function organised to honour journalists in Gurugram today.The Chief Minister said that there is a need to consider how their journalism can be constructive for the country and the state. While giving the example of Devarshi Narada, he said that he was considered first journalist in the creation. He used to be with both divine and devil powers and used to work for the interest of the society. He urged the journalists to write the news as it is and write views column with discretion.He said that organisation related to journalists should come forward to solve the problems of journalists as people working in the state government cannot do much efforts in this direction. While appreciating the efforts of World Communication Centre, Haryana, he said that in order to give right direction to journalism, such institutions are needed today. He also announced to give a grant of Rs five lakh for the World Communication Centre.
He said that the nature of job of journalists is risky as they have to cover any story. Their life is precious, therefore, they should also take care of law and order while covering events. The state government has also made arrangement of insurance of journalists, under which 50 per cent borne by the state government and 50 per cent by the journalist. He said that the state government has also decided to give Rs 10,000 monthly pension for journalists over 60 years and 95 journalists of Haryana are being benefitted under the scheme. Media Centres have been set up in all districts of the state for the facility of media persons. Apart from accreditation, ‘recognition’ a different category of identification of journalists has been created so that they get benefit of schemes when the time comes.During the event, the Chief Minister honoured 12 senior journalists from across the state. Those honoured included Journalists Mr Dayanand of district Jhajjar, Ms Sonia Jangra of Rohtak, Mr Naveen Malhotra of Kaithal, Mr Rajesh Chugh of Hisar, Cartoonist Mr Deepak Kaushik of district Jind and Photographer Mr Narender Sharma of Kaithal. Apart from this, Haryana Gaurav Samman Award was given to Anchors of News Channel, Mr Rohit Sardana and Ms Mimansa Malik and honoured the families of Journalists, Mr Shivam Bhatt who lost his life during Rampal case and Mr Balraj Sahni of Panipat who lost his life in a road accident.