The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Shradha Nidhi will be set up for the committed journalists who devoted themselves to value based journalism. Outline would be decided soon. Shri Chouhan was giving away National Journalism Awards instituted by the Department of Public Relations in memory of late Shri Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, late Manik Chandra Vajpayee and Acharya Vidyaniwas Mishra at Ravidnra Bahvan here today.Shri Chouhan said that the healthy criticism of government functioning by the media is most welcome. He said that scams and corruption will continue until systems are improved. He said that the state government taken up an initiative of transferring cash subsidy direct to the beneficiaries. Parents have been given money direct to purchase cycles and uniforms for their school going children. Similarly through Antyodaya Melas beneficiaries are getting benefits directly. Shri Chouhan said that degradation has touched every sector and journalism is no exception. Despite this, committed journalists are honestly doing their duties. He said that the journalism struggled for the freedom, and later for the progress of the nation in post independent time and civil liberties during emergency.
Minister for Public Relations Shri Laxmikant Sharma said that the state government is promoting healthy journalism by supporting small news papers. He said that the shortcomings unearthed by the media help the government improve systems. He said that the national awards instituted by the department are tribute to the memory of great luminaries Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, Manik Chandra Vajpayee. He announced to institute national award for excellence in electronic media from next year.
The Chief Minister felicitated Shri Suresh Bhaiyya Joshi, Sar Karvahak of Rashtirya Swayam Sevak Sangh on the occasion.
Shri Madhav Govind Vaidya explained the that state is different from the nation adn we have to remain devoted to the nation. He said that the journalism guides the state.
Commissioner Public Relations Shri Rakesh Shrivastava threw light on the objectives of national awards.
Shri Suresh Joshi said the journalism cannot be a trade as it severs noble purpose. He said that the crisis of credibility is the biggest concern for the media.
Shri Madhav Govind Vaidh, Shri Hridaya Narayan Dixit, Shri Anand Prakash Mishra received Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award while Shri Radheshyam Sharma and Shri Shri Jaikrishna Gaud received Manik Chandra Vajpayee Award.Vidya Niwas Mishra Award was conferred on Shri Ved Pratap Vaidik, Shri Jagdish Upasne and Shri Deepak Chourasia.
Guests were given mementos. Additional Director Public Relations Shri Lajpat Ahuja gave a vote of thanks. Joint Director Public Relations Shri Dhruv Shukla read out citation.