National Press day was celebrated today at Nepali Sahitya Parishad Bhawan, Development area under the chairmanship of Mr CD Rai, advisor of Press Club of Sikkim. The programme was organized by Press Club of Sikkim and sponsored by Information and Public Relation Department, Government of Sikkim.

Mr CB Karki Minister for IPR Department was the chief guest where Mr MG Kiran, Secretary of IPR Department was the guest of honour. Five journalists from various newspapers were also given the ‘Positive Journalism grant’ of Rs.10,000 today at the function. The journalists receiving the same are Mr Parasmani Dangal, Editor, ‘Samay Dainik’, Mr Rajen Chettri, Photographer, ‘Nayuma Television’, Mrs. Indira Chettri Editor ‘Basundhara’ weekly, Mr Narayan Joshi, Editor of ‘Frontier’ Weekly News paper and Mr Deepmilan Pradhan Editor ‘Chetna’ Nepali Weekly.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Karki stressed on the need to take journalism seriously as the journalists and media play a vital role in society. He also mentioned that in Sikkim they have achieved success in a very short span of time. He further added that the Government has been focusing on development of Journalism since the formation of SDF Government.

Under the SDF Government journalism has got maximum chance to progress he added. He also mentioned that last year the Chief Minister had assured to provide Rs.5 Lac for Journalist Welfare fund and directed the IPR Department to take initiative in this matter. He also assured that the Government will soon revise the advertisement rates. It was also informed that the Government has planned to open a study institution in the state for the development of journalism and appealed the Press Club to take interest in the matter. He further informed that State Government have plans to construct the Press Club building at Gangtok but added that it needs the help of Press Club of Sikkim.

Similarly Mr Bhim Rawat, General Secretary of Press Club of Sikkim demanded to increase rate of advertisement and a fixed pay board for the working journalists in the State. Mr Pema Wngchuk Editor of ‘Sikkim Now’ spoke on Media and corporate world challengers and opportunity. Mr Parasmani Dangal, President of Press Club of Sikkim , Mrs Radha Pradhan, President of Sikkim Mahila Patrakar Sangh, Mr Dhiraj Bantawa, President of Weekly Editors Forum and Mr Ratan Gurung, General Secretary of Journalist Club of Sikkim also presented their views and submitted demand letter to the Minister.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

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