Shimla: Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that media was playing a pivotal role in strengthening the democracy by taking up various issues relating to the welfare of the society vigorously. The State Government was in favour of sovereignty of the media and it was providing every possible assistance to maintain the transparency and independence of the same.
He was speaking as a chief Guest on the occasion of ‘Triveni’ function organized by the Good Media News Private Limited here today. He inaugurated the State wide digital TV service and broadband internet facility on cable on the occasion and also congratulated the group on completion of one year of publication of its weekly newspaper Democratic Post.
Virbhadra Singh expressed concern that few influential people were trying to take control of the electronic media for their self interests, which was not a healthy practice. Citing example of a particular State during last Vidhan Sabha Elections, he pointed out that efforts were made to capture local cable networks and similar instances were reported during last State legislative elections in Himachal Pradesh also where few political parties tried to take control of the local channels. He said that this practice was detrimental to the fourth pillar of democracy and requires introspection.
Chief Minister said local channels had an important role to play in dissemination of Government policies and programmes and they needed to realize their responsibility and work without any bias or political pressures. He expressed happiness over the expansion of Good Media Private Limited and hoped that it would be instrumental in publicizing the developmental and social welfare activities besides taking up the public grievances.
Mukesh Malhotra, Vice Chairman of the Good Media Private Limited welcomed the Chief Minister and said that City Channel had been providing services to the people of the State since last 20 years. With the launch of digital network, its consumers would also get internet services which were so far available in Delhi and Punjab.
The Group honoured the Chief Minister, Forest Minister, Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Industries, Information & Public Relations Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma and other dignitaries on the occasion.
The Chief Minister also honoured the members of the Group.
Narinder Kashyap, Director of the Group presented vote of thanks. Mayor Sanjay Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar, Chairman of the Good Media Private Limited Subhash Kapoor, Vice Chairperson Anamika Malhotra, Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Malhotra, Director Information & Public Relations Rakesh Sharma, Journalists and other prominent persons of the town were also present on the occasion.
