By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 15, 2026
Agartala, Aug 15 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated a newly installed lift at the Agartala Press Club, describing the facility as an important step towards making the working environment of journalists easier, safer and more efficient.
Speaking at the inauguration programme, Chief Minister Manik Saha said the media plays a crucial role in protecting the fundamental rights of people and ensuring justice. He described journalists as active participants in bringing issues concerning ordinary citizens to public attention and said the media serves as the voice of the common people and a mirror of society.
The Chief Minister said that the general public places immense trust in the media and underlined the importance of independent and truthful news reporting. He added that the state government has consistently maintained a positive and supportive approach towards issues concerning journalists and the media.
Referring to the newly inaugurated lift, Dr. Saha said the new facility would help improve the working conditions at the Agartala Press Club. The initiative is part of continuing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and provide better facilities for journalists.
During his speech, the Chief Minister also stressed the importance of moving beyond individual interests and giving greater importance to collective thinking and responsibility. He said that fulfilling one's duties should not be viewed merely as an individual achievement, adding that a collective approach can help resolve many problems more effectively.
Dr. Saha also highlighted the government's Task Monitoring System, stating that regular fortnightly meetings are held with senior administrative officials based on issues and reports published by various media organisations. According to the Chief Minister, the initiative has contributed to increasing administrative accountability and has also demonstrated the importance of the media in governance.
He expressed hope that media organisations would continue to examine government initiatives constructively and contribute strongly to the development of Tripura.
The Chief Minister also raised the cases involving the murders of journalists Shantanu Bhowmik and Sudip Datta Bhowmik. He said repeated efforts were being made at the appropriate levels to uncover the facts behind the two killings.
Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Kiran Gitte, said the media has played a significant role in keeping Indian democracy strong over the past eight decades. He described the present state government as media-friendly and said the government has attempted to address various demands raised by the media.
Agartala Press Club President Pranab Sarkar said the state government has undertaken several welfare initiatives for journalists and provided significant support for infrastructural development.
In his welcome address, Agartala Press Club Secretary Ramakanta Dey said nearly ₹78 lakh was spent on installing the newly inaugurated lift. Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department Bimbisar Bhattacharya was also present at the programme.
Guests attending the event were felicitated with mementos on behalf of the Agartala Press Club. Senior journalist Asim Bhattacharya also donated ₹5,000 to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund during the programme. FD SB