CM presents accreditation cards to journalists

GUWAHATI, April 13: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented Accreditation and Recognition Cards to 153 journalists to facilitate their information gathering endeavours and journalistic activities at a function held at Assam Administrative Staff College here on Friday.

Speaking at the programme organized by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Sonowal said, “Journalists are the conscience of our society. Recognised as the fourth pillar of the democracy, media is acting as the bridge between the three pillars and the people of our society”.

Acknowledging the immense importance that the media plays, present State government has taken several initiatives for the welfare of the journalists.

Chief Minister Sonowal also maintained that three crore and 40 lakh people of Assam expect transparency and value-based governance from the present government in Assam. For facilitating transparency and honesty in all aspects of life, Sonowal said that all the four pillars have to work in tandem to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Assam.

Sonowal also said that constructive criticism encourages and increases the beauty of democracy. He also appealed to the journalists present on the occasion to indulge in constructive criticism and point out any lapses inadvertently committed by the government to set it right. He also acknowledged the role played by the media in forging and strengthening the unity among people of all ethnicities, languages, caste, creed and religion. He also urged the media fraternity to take a proactive role in helping the people, especially the younger generation, to forge positive attitude.

Speaking on the occasion, media advisor to the Chief Minister Hrishikesh Goswami addressed the media as the sentinel and said that though the media and government have different modus operandi both the institutions work with a common objective that is service to the nation, society and the people.

Director, Information and Public Relations Rajiv Prakash Baruah gave the welcome address in the programme.