Tripura CM Manik Saha: Media is fourth pillar of democracy, mirror of society
Synopsis
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha used a journalists' blood donation camp in Agartala to make a pointed pitch for media welfare — announcing a tenfold pension hike for journalists (from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000) and their inclusion in the state's Jan Arogya Yojana health scheme, while calling on the press to spotlight government welfare initiatives.
Key Takeaways
Tripura CM Manik Saha described the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and the mirror of society at an event in Agartala on 26 September 2026 .
The event was a mega blood donation and health check-up camp for senior citizens organised by the Assembly of Journalists at Tulsibati Higher Secondary Girls' School .
Saha announced that the state government has raised journalist pensions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 .
Journalists in Tripura are set to be included under the Chief Minister's Jan Arogya Yojana for medical coverage.
The CM urged journalists to stay updated with technology, maintain professional excellence, and highlight welfare initiatives for the public.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday, 26 September 2026, described the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and the mirror of society, urging journalists to highlight welfare initiatives while upholding professional excellence. He made the remarks at Agartala's Tulsibati Higher Secondary Girls' School during a mega blood donation and health check-up camp organised by the Assembly of Journalists.
Key Remarks by the Chief Minister
Saha, who holds the Health and Family Welfare as well as the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) portfolios in addition to the Chief Ministership, said the media acts as a watchful watchdog of society and plays a pivotal role in strengthening democracy and building public awareness. He added that social service activities by journalists — such as blood donation — would set a strong example of civic responsibility for the broader community.
Speaking at the event, Saha said: 'This idea of people for people is also reflected through blood donation. Great programmes like blood donation should be continued so that no patient faces problems due to a lack of blood. The more people are made aware about blood donation, the more people will come forward to donate blood voluntarily.'
Welfare Measures for Journalists
The Chief Minister outlined several steps his government has taken for the welfare and professional development of journalists in the state. 'The current government has increased the pension of journalists to Rs 10,000. Earlier, a pension of Rs 1,000 was given,' he said. He also announced that journalists will be included under the Chief Minister's Jan Arogya Yojana to ensure access to medical treatment, and confirmed that professional excellence workshops are being regularly organised for the media fraternity.
Saha described his government as 'media-friendly and journalist-friendly' and said the state administration is 'constantly trying to solve various problems of the media.'
Blood Donation and Health Camp
The event — a mega blood donation and health check-up camp for senior citizens — was organised by the Assembly of Journalists. Saha, himself a dental surgeon by training, appealed to more people to come forward voluntarily to donate blood, calling it 'no other noble act.' He appreciated the Assembly of Journalists for taking the initiative to undertake activities for the benefit of society.
Those present at the event included Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar; ICA Department Secretary Kiran Gitte; ICA Department Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya; and Assembly of Journalists Secretary Sanit Debray, among others.
Call for Journalists to Adapt
Saha also urged journalists to keep pace with changing technology and evolving societal developments. 'In keeping with modernity, journalists should also stay up to date in their work. They should increase their excellence in their work. In the process of presenting news, welfare works for the people should be highlighted in front of everyone,' he said. The Chief Minister emphasised that professional excellence and a commitment to public interest must go hand in hand. All eyes will now be on whether the announced welfare measures — particularly the Jan Arogya Yojana inclusion — are formalised in the near term.
Point of View
But the base was Rs 1,000, a figure so low that the revision, while welcome, still leaves Tripura journalists far behind national benchmarks. The call for the media to 'highlight welfare works' also deserves scrutiny: a watchdog's value lies precisely in its independence from the government it covers, and conflating social responsibility with promotional coverage risks blurring that line.
NationPress
27 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Tripura CM Manik Saha say about the media?
Chief Minister Manik Saha described the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and the mirror of society at a blood donation camp in Agartala on 26 September 2026. He said the media acts as a watchful watchdog that plays a pivotal role in strengthening democracy and creating public awareness.
What welfare measures has the Tripura government announced for journalists?
The Tripura government has increased journalist pensions tenfold — from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000. Additionally, journalists are set to be included under the Chief Minister's Jan Arogya Yojana for medical treatment, and the government is organising regular workshops for professional development.
What was the Assembly of Journalists event in Agartala?
The Assembly of Journalists organised a mega blood donation and health check-up camp for senior citizens at Tulsibati Higher Secondary Girls' School in Agartala on 26 September 2026. Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the camp and appealed to more people to donate blood voluntarily.
Who attended the event with Tripura CM Manik Saha?
The event was attended by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, ICA Department Secretary Kiran Gitte, ICA Department Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya, and Assembly of Journalists Secretary Sanit Debray, among others.
Why is CM Saha's call to journalists to highlight welfare work notable?
Saha urged journalists to highlight government welfare initiatives 'in front of everyone' while discharging professional duties. This has drawn attention because editorial independence requires journalists to report on — and scrutinise — government programmes rather than promote them, raising questions about the boundary between civic engagement and state messaging.
