*Independent Journalism Essential for a Healthy Democracy, If Even One Pillar Weakens, Democracy Will Falter: Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij*

*Journalists Are the Bridge Between Government and Society, Must Act Like CCTV, Keeping a Sharp Watch on Every Activity: Anil Vij*

*Responsibility of Truth Has Grown in the Digital Era, Fake News Poses a Serious Threat to Democracy: Vij*

*Big Announcement for Journalists’ Welfare; Anil Vij Announces Rs.31 Lakh for Media Well Being Association*

*Attack on Press Freedom in Punjab Is a Direct Assault on Democracy, Deserves Nationwide Condemnation: Vij*

*Haryana Government Fully Committed to Journalists’ Welfare; Several Schemes Implemented from Pension to Free Bus Travel: Vij*

Chandigarh, January 24 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that independence of journalists is absolutely essential for a healthy democracy. He said that democracy rests on four pillars—Legislature, Executive, Judiciary and Media/Press—and if even one pillar becomes weak, the entire democratic structure begins to shake.

Addressing journalists as the Chief Guest at a programme organised by the Media Well Being Association at the Kingfisher Tourist Complex in Ambala, Sh. Vij said that democracy can survive only when journalists discharge their responsibilities honestly and fearlessly. “In today’s times, journalists must act like CCTV cameras—keeping a vigilant watch on every activity of society, conveying public concerns to the government and taking government achievements and welfare policies to the people, thereby acting as a strong bridge between the two,” he remarked. He further emphasised that journalists must make effective and responsible use of digital technology to ensure that truth reaches the world.

On this occasion, Sh. Anil Vij announced a grant of Rs. 31 lakh from his discretionary fund to support the activities of the Media Well Being Association and for the welfare of journalists.

*Media Is the Mirror of Society: Vij*

The Energy Minister said that the media serves as the mirror of society and plays a vital role as a strong link between the government and the public. Appreciating the efforts of the Association, he reiterated that in a democratic system, the media has the responsibility to keep a watchful eye on the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. From the freedom struggle to the Emergency period, journalism has primarily served the nation by fulfilling its social responsibility and contributing to nation-building, he said.

*Digital Revolution Has Put Journalism on Fast Wheels: Vij*

Sh. Vij observed that modernisation has become an integral part of the media sector and that the digital revolution has empowered journalism. “The pace of digital transformation has put new wheels on journalism. Today, we live in the era of breaking news. The internet and smartphones have taken journalism out of drawing rooms and placed it in the palm of every individual. Any incident occurring anywhere now reaches hundreds of people across the country and abroad within seconds,” he said.

However, he cautioned that fake news, paid news and clickbait journalism are raising serious questions about the credibility of the media. Therefore, journalists must carry out their responsibilities with accuracy, sensitivity and restraint.

*Journalists Must Keep Pace with New Technologies: Vij*

The Minister stressed that as new inventions and technologies emerge worldwide, journalists must keep pace by learning and adopting it. He pointed out that just as government departments provide training to enhance efficiency, similar structured training is required in journalism as well. Experienced professionals should guide journalists in adapting to new technologies, which would further strengthen the profession.

*Condemnation of Attacks on Press Freedom (Punjab Kesari Group) in Punjab*

Referring to recent developments in Punjab, Sh. Vij said that governments sometimes deviate from their constitutional duties, as witnessed during the Emergency. “The recent actions of the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab against press freedom are condemnable and should be opposed across the country so that no government dares to intimidate media houses in the future,” he asserted. He warned that attempts to suppress journalists will not sustain for long.

*State Government Fully Committed to Journalists’ Welfare*

Sh. Vij highlighted that the Haryana Government has implemented several welfare schemes for journalists, including a monthly pension of Rs.15,000, free bus travel up to 4,000 kilometres for accredited journalists, and assistance under accident insurance policies. He also suggested that journalists should have a dedicated budget head, similar to other government departments.

*Meeting Convened to Address Journalists’ Demands*

During the programme, the Association placed demands regarding reservation of two seats for accredited journalists in Haryana Roadways buses, travel facilities in green buses, and permission to travel in air-conditioned buses. Sh. Vij assured that these demands fall under the Transport Department and informed that he has already directed officials to convene a meeting to deliberate and take appropriate decisions.

*Insurance Policies and Awards Distributed*

At the program, the Minister distributed accident insurance policy certificates and awards to journalists, encouraging them for their exemplary work. Association office-bearers honoured him with a shawl and a memento. Sh. Vij assured journalists that he would always stand by them.

*Banking System Has Made Life Easier*

Sharing his personal experience, Sh. Vij said that he had worked in a bank earlier when a single branch employed around 150 staff members. With the introduction of computers, there were apprehensions of job losses, but instead, banking became more efficient and life easier. Today, people can pay electricity and other bills from home, he said.

On the occasion, Media Well Being Association President Chandra Shekhar Dharni and Tribune Hindi Editor Naresh Kaushal welcomed the Minister. Dharni informed that the Association, formed four years ago, now has members across North India, including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. So far, assistance under accident insurance has been provided to around 1,280 journalists, while 351 journalists have been enrolled under term insurance.

Naresh Kaushal described Sh. Anil Vij as a guardian of journalists and shared his professional experiences.

The programme was attended by Association President Chandra Shekhar Dharni, Pradhan Rajeev Rishi, Treasurer Tarun Kapoor, Organisation Secretary Mewa Singh, Naresh Uppal, Surender Mehta, along with journalists from across the state.