GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the four pillars of democracy must work together responsibly with sincerity and commitment to ensure the wellbeing of the people of the state. The Chief Minister said this while inaugurating the goodwill tour of rural media persons to Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh and distributing media fellowships to journalists in a programme held in the Conference Hall of Chief Ministers Office at Janata Bhawan here on Friday. The Chief Minister also distributed financial assistance to Media Trusts, Guwahati and cheques to journalists under Journalists Medical Welfare Scheme on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Journalists are the conscience of the society. They have been performing their duty responsibly for the benefit of the society. However, to ensure public welfare further, the legislature, judiciary, executive and the media must work together with sincerity and commitment”. Making a call for united effort to address various social problems, Sonowal further said that government initiatives alone would not bring change in the society. “Science has helped the mankind to make significant progress. Still many uncalled incidents underline the need for joint efforts by the society which are full of human compassion and warmth”, he added. Further saying that the media plays a very significant role in developing public perception and opinion, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the State government has taken many welfare steps for the journalists as a goodwill gesture. He also urged the media to publish and broadcast news that have credibility and induce value amongst the young generation. He also appealed the journalists to offer constructive criticism on government activities and keep close watch on its functioning. He also sought medias support in continuing the governments fight against corruption. According to a press release, Chief Ministers Media Advisor Hrishikesh Goswami while speaking on the occasion said that the present government after coming to power has taken several steps for welfare of the journalists with sincerity and also took their suggestions on various issues. He also informed that the government is actively considering an insurance scheme for the journalists. He hoped that the financial assistance of Rs. 10 lac provided to Media Trust would benefit the media persons. Additional Chief Secretary in charge of Information & Public Relations Department, Kumar Sanjay Krishna while delivering the welcome speech informed that 16 journalists have been given media fellowship to carry out study on various social issues for which the government provides Rs. 50,000 each. He also said that a team of 18 rural journalists will undertake a goodwill tour to Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh on September 8, which is the fourth of its kind launched after the present government came to power. The vote of thanks was offered by Anupam Choudhury, Director of Information & Public Relations. Also Read: CM Sarbananda Sonowal Pays Rich Tribute To Radhakrishnan On Teachers Day Also Watch: 68 packets of suspected Lali Gur worth Rs 1 Lakh seized in Naharkatia

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