Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lauded the critical role of parliamentary reporters in bridging the gap between the legislative assembly and the people. Addressing a day-long workshop on parliamentary reporting held in the Assembly auditorium, the Chief Minister extended greetings to citizens as the state marks 25 years of its formation and democratic consolidation.
“Over these 25 glorious years, the Chhattisgarh Assembly has evolved as a strong institution upholding democratic values. The recently held orientation workshops for newly elected legislators have been beneficial, and it is equally important for journalists to stay abreast of parliamentary processes,” Sai said. He observed that a large number of first-time MLAs are now part of the House and underlined their responsibility to voice people’s concerns effectively.
“The commitment and hard work of parliamentary reporters ensure that citizens know how their issues are debated and addressed by their representatives. The tradition of honouring outstanding journalists further encourages fair and rigorous reporting,” the Chief Minister added, expressing confidence that the workshop would prove immensely useful in strengthening democratic discourse.
Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, while underlining the significance of parliamentary journalism, described it as a highly sensitive responsibility. In Chhattisgarh’s 25-year golden journey, the media has contributed immeasurably. Parliamentary journalism requires maintaining confidentiality, discipline and decorum while delivering accurate, impartial information to the masses,” Dr Singh said.
He emphasised that when journalists transcend partisanship and present legislative proceedings in an unbiased manner, democracy becomes stronger. “A deep understanding of parliamentary procedures enables journalists to communicate developments in simple language so that the public can grasp them fully,” he noted. Paying tribute to the state’s senior and departed journalists, Dr Singh said Chhattisgarh’s media tradition has consistently upheld the dignity of the Assembly.
Leader of Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant invoked the legacy of sage Narada to describe the role of journalists as vigilant messengers of democracy. “Through prompt and alert reporting, the media acts as the carrier of democratic values. This workshop is an opportunity for everyone to learn and broaden their perspective on parliamentary journalism,” he said. Dr Mahant also shared memories from his long parliamentary career, describing his interactions with journalists as deeply enriching.
The event saw the presence of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kedar Kashyap, VidhanSabha Secretary Dinesh Sharma, former IIMC Director-General Sanjay Dwivedi and a large gathering of journalists from across the state.
