The Mizoram government is making utmost efforts to implement a pension scheme for journalists in the state, a minister said on Tuesday.
Addressing the ‘National Press Day’ organised by Mizoram Journalists’ Association (MJA) in Aizawl, state Information and Public Relations minister Lalruatkima said that the government is giving priority to the welfare of scribes as they are the pillar of democracy.
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“Efforts are being made to provide pensions to journalists. The pension scheme is under study by a study group constituted specially for the purpose,” he said.
He said that measures could not be expedited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister also expressed regret for the delay in measures to set up a press conclave for MJA members due to COVID-19.
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Highlighting the importance of scribes, the Mizo National Front (MNF) minister said that they are the sources of information and urged them to remember that they are ears of the public.
The journalists play an important role in democracy by correcting and moulding the government, he said.
Underlining the influence of media, Lalruatkima urged the media fraternity to refrain from publishing inauthentic sources and biased reports, which could mislead the mass.
He urged them to respect journalist ethics and not misuse freedom of the press.
The minister further encouraged the journalists to work hard in order to compete with or beat the growing influence of social media.