In a historic move, the Chhattisgarh Vidhansabha has passed the Chhattisgarh Media Personnel Security Bill-2023, making it the second state in the country to do so. The bill aims to provide protection to journalists who risk their lives while reporting from remote and dangerous areas.
Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel discussed the bill with media representatives in the Vidhansabha premises, calling it a historic day for Chhattisgarh and its journalists. He acknowledged the risks involved in journalism and the need for protection for those who write articles that could endanger their lives and their families.
Under the new law, all journalists working for electronic media, print media, or portals, including those working in remote areas without a letter of recognition, will be registered. Journalists who have written three articles within six consecutive months will be brought under the ambit of the Chhattisgarh Media Personnel Security Act to ensure their protection.
The law also empowers a committee to address any complaints of misbehavior by government employees towards journalists. This committee, consisting of six people, including journalists and officers, will conduct hearings and issue necessary instructions, with provisions for punishment and an appeal process.
The drafting committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Mr. Aftab Alam, prepared the draft after several meetings in the state and Delhi with various organizations. The committee’s members included retired Justice Mrs. Anjana Prakash, senior advocate of the Supreme Court Mr. Rajuram Chandran, senior journalist late Mr. Lalit Surjan, Shri Prakash Dubey ji, Chief Minister’s advisor Shri Ruchir Garg ji, Advocate General, Principal Secretary of Law Department, and Director General of Police.
The bill was passed unanimously, with even the opposition giving its approval. Chief Minister Mr. Baghel fulfilled another promise made in the public manifesto, emphasizing the importance of the bill for the protection of journalists
