By Andalib Akhter
“Chhattisgarh Media Personnel Security Bill – 2023” has become a law after being passed by the State Assembly today. The law cover addresses several concerns of media persons in the state. It new law has also given direction to other states to look into the concern of the journalists.
“The promise we made to our journalist friends has been fulfilled today. Our thinking is that the fourth pillar of democracy should fearlessly raise the voice of the people and continue to play public participation” said chief minister Bhupesh Baghel soon after passage of the Bill .
CM said that journalist who risk their lives, go to the interior areas and bring the news. Many of them write such articles, which increase the danger to them and their family members. Along with the loss of money, there is also a possibility of loss of life.
For such a situation, all our journalists, whether they are from electronic media, print media or portals. have been brought under the purview of the Chhattisgarh Media Personnel Security Act, so that they can be protected. If any government employee misbehaves with them, then a committee has been formed for their complaint. The committee has been empowered. This committee will be at the state level, in which journalists will also be there, officers will also be in it, a committee of six people will be formed, which will conduct hearings and will be able to give necessary instructions and there is also a provision for punishment. If not satisfied with its decision, a provision of appeal has also been kept. But if someone makes a wrong complaint, then there is a provision for punishment in that too.