Haldwani: The foundation stone laying of the ultra-modern Kumaon Media Centre in Haldwani by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, to be built at a cost of ₹6.75 crore, is being considered a historic initiative for journalism in Uttarakhand. This media centre will not only be a building but also a major step toward strengthening the fourth pillar of democracy with modern resources.
The proposed media centre will include state-of-the-art facilities such as a modern press conference hall, digital studio, high-speed internet facility, a well-equipped library, cafeteria, and guest rooms for journalists coming from remote areas. After its completion, journalists from the Kumaon region will no longer have to depend on Dehradun for many professional requirements.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reiterated the government’s commitment toward the welfare of journalists and said that the government is continuously working seriously for their safety, dignity, and facilities. He stated that the Journalist Welfare Fund has been increased to ₹5 crore so that immediate assistance can be provided to journalists’ families in cases of accidental death or serious illness.
He also said that a cashless health facility of up to ₹5 lakh has been implemented for accredited journalists and their dependents. In addition, senior journalists above the age of 60 are being provided a monthly pension of ₹10,000.
The Chief Minister said that the modern media centre equipped with advanced facilities will provide journalists with a better working environment and give a new direction to transparent, effective, and empowered journalism in Uttarakhand. He added that Haldwani would also gain a new identity as a major media hub of Kumaon.
