Punjab Govt to announce media police soon, says Badal

Chandigarh, July 7 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said his Government would soon announce a Media Policy incorporating the clause regarding medical and group insurance, housing societies and old age pension for journalists in the state.

Inaugurating the Punjab Chapter of India Media Center at Ludhiana, he said the SAD- BJP Government was committed to the welfare of the journalist fraternity and would fulfill its promises by notifying a comprehensive Media Policy.

Mr Badal said the Government should treat media criticism as a basis for guiding principles for state policies. He emphasised the importance of a free and vibrant press.

He said that it was imperative ''for all of us to strengthen the democratic values in the state and give media its due recognition in the society.'' The Chief Minister said that media, known as fourth pillar of a democracy, played an important role.

He said that time and time again, attempts had been made to scuffle the voice of media and to scuttle the democratic process in the country, but Indian democracy and collective will of the people had foiled the designs of such forces in the society.

Referring to the ''dark days of Emergency,'' Mr Badal that Shriomani Akali Dal leaders had gone to Jail for opposing Emergency and censorship imposed on the media.

UNI