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.