Media is the mirror of society and it has a special place in society. Media plays a leading role in taking the country forward., said Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha after inaugurating the National Press Day-2022 programme at Rabindra Bhavan in Agartala on Wednesday. 

He said, the role of media in the formation of society is immense. Today is the day to remember all the journalists who are no longer with us. We have to accept their good aspects, only then the society and country will benefit. 

The Chief Minister said that the present government is media friendly. The government has already taken several initiatives to solve the problems of media. This government is running on the policy of transparency. The present government wants to continue the worktaking everyone all along by maintaining the atmosphere of peace and harmony. Aiming that, the government is taking one initiative after another. 

Emphasizing on serving more news that will have a positive impact on the society, the Chief Minister said that many people are giving more importance to their own opinion in reporting news. If this trend continues and real news does not come out, it will be difficult to achieve the goal of making `Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura'. At the programme, Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said that the present government is working on how to keep the newspapers and journalists better and strengthen their social and economic base. Initiatives have been taken to bring journalists under health insurance. Efforts are being made to increase the number of accredited journalists so that more journalists in the state can come under this insurance. 

The state government is always striving to maintain a news-friendly environment. The government is working tirelessly to give benefit to the media and its stakeholders. Initiatives have been taken to increase the rate of advertisementat newspapers. 

He said, we want to work in a very positive environment. Several initiatives have been taken for the development of the people of the state. Tripura% first film institute is set to open in the next few days. He advised the representatives of the media not to Om too much importance to their own opinion in reporting news.

Speaking at the programme, Secretary of Agartala Press Club Pranab Sarkar said that the present government of the state has taken several initiatives for the welfare of journalists. Journalists' pension has been increased to 10,000 rupees. Family pension has been introduced for them. Agartala Press Club is being modernized. Health insurance is being introduced for them. 

Vice President of Agartala Press Club Arun Nath also spoke at the programme. The Secretary of Information and Cultural Affairs Department PK Chakraborty gave the welcome speech. 

Two distinguished journalists- Shekhar Dutta and Swapan Kumar Bhattacharya were felicitated for their special contribution in the field of journalism. They were given souvenirs, shawl and cash Rs. 5000 each.
 
Accreditation cards were awarded to distinguished and veteran journalists. Those present at the programme and who received this card are eminent journalists Arun Nath, Shrota Ranjan Khisa, Sanjeeb Deb, Shekhar Dutta, Pradeep Dutta Bhowmik, Jayanta Bhattacharya, Paritosh Biswas.

Accreditation cards in Veteran category were also handed over to Pranab Sarkar and Manas Pal. These cards were handed over to them by the distinguished guests present at the programme. 

In addition, press jackets were handed over to some journalists working in the capital and different sub-divisions. Director of Information and Cultural Affairs Department Ratan Biswas was also present at the programme.