Chamling asks mediapersons to pratice responsible journalism

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling on Friday advised mediapersons to practice responsible journalism to help bring betterment in the lives of the people.

The freedom of speech and expression enable journalists to communicate their views freely to the people, and what they express becomes information and fact for the people, he said at the National Press Day function.

It is, therefore, imperative for all journalists to understand their responsibility in disseminating information that is based only on fact, the chief minister said.

"The press and media, as a fourth pillar of democracy, have equal responsibility as the other three organs of government - legislature, executive and judiciary. Keeping up this responsibility in mind, mediapersons should practice responsible journalism in order to bring betterment in the lives of the people," Chamling said.

Referring to the role of media in Sikkim, Chamling said they enjoy complete freedom but this freedom should not be taken for granted.

They must never go against the ethics of journalism by being biased or by concealing the truth, he added.

On this occasion, Chamling also announced pension for journalists of 60 years of age and above and construction of the Press Club of Sikkim building by the state government.