Pawar expresses concern over rising incidents of attack on media

Pune, Oct 1 (UNI) Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today expressed serious concern over rising incidents of attack on mediapersons and appealed to the state governments to deal strictly with the guilty.

Mr Pawar made this observation while inaugurating the first state level convention organised by Maharashtra Shramik Patrakar Sangh on the occasion of its 60th anniversary celebrations here.

He said he would personally look into the issue of housing problems faced by journalists in the country.

The draft recommentations of Wage board for working journalists and non-journalists has been prepared, and the government is scrutinising these, Mr Pawar said.

Senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde said there is a need to have a code of conduct to prevent attacks on media and suggested that the state government should appoint an investigation officer who will look into the matters.

He said during elections the media plays a very important role and therefore, it should act responsibly.

More than 1,000 journalists from across the state participated in a day-long convention 'Journalism 2020', which was divided into three sessions. In the convention, discussions will be held on several issues, including pension, insurance, housing schemes and attacks on journalists.

A resolution will be passed after the discusions, general secretary of Maharashtra Shramik Patrakar Sangh Prakash Bhoite said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh will attend the closing ceremony in the evening. Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, State Revenue Minister Narayan Rane, Co-operation Minister Patangrao Kadam, BJP state president Nitin Gadkari, Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar and city MP Suresh Kalmadi will be present on the occassion, he informed.

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