Subhash Mahajan
Shimla
The Media Wellbeing Association hosted a grand ceremony at Holiday Home, Shimla, dedicated to the welfare, safety, and dignity of journalists. On the initiative of Himachal Pradesh In-charge and North India Senior Vice President Sanjay Bhutani, accidental insurance policies worth ₹10 lakh each were distributed free of cost to journalists across the state.
The event was chaired by Chief Minister’s Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, with Education Minister Rohit Thakur as the chief guest and Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan as the special guest. Senior journalists including Dr. Ashwini Sharma, Dr. Shashi Bhushan, Archana Phool, Anil Hedly, and DIPR’s Simple Saklani, along with social workers Gurmeet Singh Arora and Bimla Thakur, were felicitated.
During the ceremony, Education Minister Rohit Thakur announced that the Chief Minister has agreed to provide pension benefits to journalists aged 60 and above, with a formal declaration expected soon. He praised the Association’s welfare model as “inspirational for the entire nation” and emphasized that a strong media is vital for strengthening democracy.
Naresh Chauhan highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing insurance and pension schemes for journalists, stressing that protecting media interests remains a top priority. Mayor Surender Chauhan lauded the Association’s efforts, calling it a “ray of hope” for journalists who act as a crucial bridge between society and governance.
Association President Chandrashekhar Dharni outlined ongoing initiatives including term insurance, health policies, and cashless medical facilities for journalists and their families. He underlined the need to safeguard journalists’ rights amid the rapidly changing media landscape.
On this occasion, Gurmeet Singh, President of Nofal Ek Umeed NGO, announced free ambulance services for journalist families in need, along with medical support at PGI Chandigarh.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Association General Secretary Dr. Surender Mehta, attended by a large gathering of journalists and social activists.
