Kolkata, Sept. 1 -- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday, while launching the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana for journalists at Nabanna, said the media was free to criticise the BJP but urged caution in choice of words to avoid hurting sentiments.
Adhikari said political differences between the government and the media were inevitable, but called for a constructive relationship and cooperation for Bengal's development. Assuring that there would be no witch-hunting over criticism, he said journalists were free to defend their editorial positions, as long as patriotism and national interest remained paramount. He added that criticism could help the government identify and rectify its shortcomings.
Adhikari urged journalists to act responsibly, saying their reporting should not weaken the nation. "The nation is to be given topmost priority," he said, adding that the media was free to criticise him and the BJP but should be "tough against anti-national forces" and avoid words that could hurt religious sentiments.
He also said that in the four months since his government took office, it had not stopped anyone from organising or participating in any religious festival.
Addressing the media at Nabanna, Adhikari said political differences were an integral part of democracy, particularly during elections, but stressed that with elections held only once in five years, it was now time to work together for Bengal's development. "Defend your stance, but national interest must come first," the CM said.
He also urged the media to exercise restraint while covering protests and avoid language that could hurt community sentiments.
The CM, while announcing a series of welfare measures for journalists, said that a decision was taken to bring eligible journalists under the new health insurance scheme.
The move would provide healthcare coverage to the media fraternity in 1900 plus hospitals as journalists highlighted concerns over rising medical costs.
"The monthly pension for retired journalists is also being doubled from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000," he announced. Adhikari said that the welfare provisions could be extended to journalists who do not possess formal press accreditation cards, potentially widening the category of beneficiaries. The state government would give a Puja bonus of Rs 3000 to all journalists who apply for it, Adhikari said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.