Chandigarh, Nov 13
Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya today inaugurated the two-day national executive meeting of the NUJ (I) here with a call to the media to work assiduously for nation building without indulging in yellow journalism.
More than 80 executive members and Presidents as well as Secretary Generals from all over the country are participating in the meeting at the NITTTR to deliberate on various challenges faced by the media.
In his inaugural address the Governor expressed concern at the sudden spurt in social media which, he said, has put authenticity and credibility to stake. He said there were 62 crore people linked to social media which constitutes around 45 per cent of the nation's population.
"In these circumstances the responsibility on media to uphold its professional values becomes a tall order and the media must meet it with human and moral values intact, the Governor said.
He said responsibility of mainstream media has increased in these circumstances.
The Governor also expressed concern at the threat media persons faced from anti-national gangs and mafias while discharging their professional duty, which, he said was a new challenge. "All media persons should join hands to neutralise this threat while adequate security was provided to them," he said.
The Governor had a special word of appreciation for the media for discharging its duty as a frontline warrior during the Covid times. He also listed various welfare schemes floated by the Haryana government for media persons.
Earlier, Manoj Mishra, President of the NUJ, said the two-day meeting will discuss issues related to contractual system and Covid challenges besides other topics.
Chandigarh Journalists Association President Amarnath submitted a memorandum to the Haryana Governor seeking extension of pension scheme and other facilities given to accredited journalists to all working Journalists. Memorandum also demanded constitution of district level tripartite committees to ensure proper implementation of Wageboard awards Haryana.