Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday extended his best wishes and greetings to the press fraternity of Arunachal Pradesh on occasion of National Press Day (NPD). The Chief Minister lauded the state-based media houses for its role played during the pandemic. He noted that despite closing offices and press during the lockdowns, the journalists of the state did not shy away from their duties. The information on COVID 19 offered to the people by the press is praiseworthy and has immensely helped the government in combating the spread of the virus as well as misinformation, he said.

Khandu further acknowledged the hardship and risks involved in conducting the profession, especially in a remote state like Arunachal Pradesh. “Compared to other states, our media fraternity is still evolving. I can proudly say that despite financial and other pressures, media of the state – both print and electronic – have been relentlessly working to inform and inspire the people. This is an opportune moment for me to thank them on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh,” he said in a message ahead of NPD. 

He also hailed the state media fraternity for going about their duty professionally without fear or favour. He said as a free press is an integral part of a healthy democracy, the state government is committed for the safety, security and prosperity of media persons and media houses of the state.

It is to be noted that the Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory body responsible for governing the conduct of the print media and ensuring freedom of speech, was established on July 4, 1966 by the Parliament and officially started working on November 16 of the same year. Since then the day is commemorated as National Press Day.