Key Points

The Chief Minister stated that journalists play a vital role in society and have consistently stood alongside the government and the people during challenging times.

"Whenever the nation faces difficult times, our journalists, like brave soldiers, stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and society... Under the Prime Minister's leadership, the media has been entrusted with a key role in promoting freedom of expression and addressing issues faced by journalists in the country. Our government is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of journalists and supporting them," CM Dhami said.

He further said that the state government has taken several steps to enhance the welfare of journalists and strengthen media institutions in Uttarakhand.

"We have made some progress, including the announcement that journalists will now be eligible for benefits under various government schemes... Along with this, under the 'Varishth Patrakaar Sammaan Yojana,' we have announced that we honour many journalists. Additionally, we have increased the pension for journalists... Our government has also increased the budget of the Journalists Welfare Fund from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore," the Chief Minister said.

Dhami added that the government has initiated measures to empower press clubs across the state and ensure better infrastructure and support for media professionals.

The remarks come in the backdrop of the death of independent journalist Rajeev Pratap Singh, who went missing from Uttarkashi on September 18 and was later found dead in the Joshiyara Barrage on September 28.

Earlier, the journalist's father, Murari Lal, had urged the state government to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into his son's death. He said that the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious doubts and could not be dismissed as a mere accident.

"A thorough and impartial investigation should be conducted to determine whether the incident was an accident, a coincidence, or a deliberate act. Initially, I thought it was an accident, but the location, time, and condition of the body raise questions. Strict action must be taken against those responsible," he said.

- ANI