Bhubaneswar: The press is regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy. Without a free and impartial press, democracy is of no value. As we are going through one of the toughest times of our lives, the role of press and media has been amplified manifolds. While there are many warriors fighting for the betterment of humanity including the doctors, healthcare professionals, police and numerous others, press and media personnel are also playing an important role. Their contribution to the country and the society as a whole cannot be undermined at any cost.
A healthy democracy is never complete without a free press. In this times of emergency, the press is playing a critical role despite the perils of pandemic. Like the other Covid warriors, journalists are also laying their lives while bringing the truth to the limelight. They, as a part of a healthy democracy, are helping it become stronger.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has been spearheading a strong fight against the Civid-19 pandemic, is today hailed as one of the best protectors of press freedom. As always, Naveen has given utmost importance to the members of the fourth pillar by standing with them at this critical juncture.
When the Covid-19 pandemic began to spread and the press was doing its best duty towards the society through information dissemination and awareness, Naveen stood by them. Journalists of the state, who succumbed to the virus while on duty, were duly recognized and their families were provided all help. Odisha CM set an example in the country announcing financial compensation and implementing it in practical.
When the journalists fraternity in the country are demanding for compensation for any eventuality during the pandemic, Naveen has done the biggest thing at the right time. Giving due acknowledgment to their contribution to the society, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced that the State Journalists are Frontline Covid Warriors.
Approving a proposal to this effect, the Chief Minister has said working journalists are doing a great service to the State by providing seamless news feed, making people aware on issues relating to Covid at this very trying times and they are a great support for our war against Covid. The decision of the government will benefit 6944 working journalists of the State.
It may be mentioned here that as many as 6944 working journalists of the state have been covered under the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana which entitles them for getting health insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh each. Besides, an ex gratia of Rs 15 lakh is also being provided to the next of kin of journalists who die of Covid while performing duty. This comes as a big relief at a time when the Central Government has withdrawn all the monetary help for the Covid warriors of the country.
Today when we are celebrating the World Press Freedom Day, we stand by the ethos of democracy and transparency. Our duty towards the society at this juncture is of utmost importance. The world today needs to know the truth and the democracy needs to be strengthened by free flow of information and news.
According to World Press Freedom Index , India ranks142 out of180 countries, four spots behind South Sudan and three behind Myanmar.
The Human Freedom Index ranks India at 111 out of162 countries, just four ahead of Russia, according to a report published in Time Magazine on March 8 this year.
In a world grappling with authoritarianism, propaganda, rhetoric, human rights abuses and anti democratic practices, quashing right wing nationalism is in the interest of democracy. All these get compounded in such a Pandemic period. The role of press and media is to defend the hard earned democracy at all costs. Facilitating their job by announcing them as covid worriers by Naveen is an act of defender of democracy.
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