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Bengal govt has always respected scribes, says Mamata on World Press Freedom Day

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted on World Press Freedom Day, stating that her government in Bengal has always had respect for journalists.
Banerjee tweeted: "Today is World Press Freedom Day. Our government in Bengal has always respected journalists and recognised the key role they play."
It may be mentioned that as a token of respect and responsibility of the state, the Bengal government has introduced health insurance scheme for journalists. At the same time, pension for journalists above the age of 60 has also been started.
In this connection, Banerjee tweeted: "We have even started the Mabhoi insurance scheme for journalists and their families, and also recently launched a pension scheme for journalists above the age of 60."
With the launch of the health and personal accident insurance scheme, accreditated journalists up to the age of 65 years and even those who have retired, will come under the coverage of the insurance.
Their family members including parents, children and minor brothers and sisters, will also be getting the benefit of the scheme, under which one can avail health facilities in the state-run health care centres and hospitals. At the same time, private health care centres enlisted with the government will also provide treatment under the scheme.
It was on March 29, when the much awaited notification in connection with the provision of pension to journalists above 60 years under the West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists 2018, was issued by the state government.
It may be recalled that the step taken by the Mamata Banerjee government has fulfilled the expectation of many, which had not been regarded for a long time.
It was on April 3, when the Chief Minister had criticised the Centre's step to "curb freedom of Press", in the name of controlling fake news. The Centre had backstepped after Banerjee demanded immediate withdrawal of the circular regarding suspension or cancellation of accreditation of journalists.
Banerjee had tweeted: "The PIB circular on #FakeNews control is a brazen attempt to curb Press freedom, a sure sign that the govt has lost its way. We demand immediate withdrawal of such a draconian move. And what about #FakeNews spread by a political party on a regular basis?"
The Chief Minister was the first to raise her voice against circulation of fake news with a purpose of fomenting trouble. She had also made people aware about the fake news often circulated through social media and urged them to avoid the same.

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