Gangtok:17th July: CM PS Tamang,in his message to media in Sikkim on the 23rd Foundation Day of Press Club of Sikkim has extended warm wishes.CM says , ‘I extend my warm wishes and congratulations to the members of Press Club of Sikkim on the occasion of its 23rd foundation day. The occasion is symbolic to the establishment of the umbrella body of journalists and media persons and a defining moment for professional journalism in Sikkim’.
About the role of PCS so far CM ,has said, ‘Over the years, the Press Club of Sikkim has played a significant role in bringing together journalists who have been relentlessly working to inform and inspire the people. This foundation day is also a time for celebration and self-assessment providing the journalists an opportunity to exchange ideas, reflect on past activities, and discuss possibilities and challenges for the future.’
‘A free press is an integral part of a healthy democracy and our government is committed to ensure the safety, security and prosperity of the media persons and media houses of the state. The state government has consistently worked towards fostering a free, dynamic, and empowered journalistic ecosystem in Sikkim. Several forward-looking policies, institutional supports, and media outreach programmes have been undertaken in coordination with the Press Club of Sikkim.’
Regarding the support to media from his Govt C.M has highlighted only the major steps taken by his Govt.including , ‘ The long pending demand for a Press Club of Sikkim Bhawan has been fulfilled’. He has said ,’ I am confident that the media fraternity is making best use of the facilities. We have also instituted new categories of awards to honour journalists across various sectors including climate change, human rights, and women’s issues. The government has also provided a 17-seater vehicle to the Press Club of Sikkim to facilitate the travel needs of its members.’
‘To honour the indefatigable efforts of our veteran journalists, our government has instituted the Teesta Rangeet Aviral Kalam Puraskara conferred annually on Independence Day. Likewise, the Kanchendzonga Kalam Puraskar and Lagansheel Yuwa Patrakar Puraskar have also been enhanced to ₹1,01,000 and ₹51,000 respectively.
Additionally, advertisement rates were revised and increased in 2024.’
‘I also take this opportunity to share with the members of the fourth estate that our government has facilitated health insurance coverage to 90 accredited journalists and launched the Patrakar Samman Yojana for pension support to retired journalists. A grant-in-aid of ₹20 lakhs has been disbursed to senior journalists through Press Club of Sikkim under the Yojana.’
‘With great respect comes great responsibility. I call upon journalists to make all efforts to inform and educate the masses and maintain the trust and increased expectation of the people on the fourth estate. May the media space be used more and more to showcase the peace, progress and prosperity of Sikkim and its people.’
