PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that his government welcomes “constructive criticism” from the media but not at the cost of the State’s image.
Addressing the orientation programme held for media persons, Sawant said that media including print, electronic and social media need to be careful in their remarks or reportage so as to ensure that reckless coverage against the government might dent the State image.
“The government welcomes criticism but it should be constructive and not destructive. Journalist or media, who is considered the fourth pillar of democracy, has the right to point out the government, whenever there is something wrong but should not be reckless in it. That could damage State image,” he said.
“Uncontrolled negative reporting may not damage govt’s image but will damage State’s image. People visit Goa because of its clean image; they don’t see the image of govt,” Sawant added.
The CM said that it is not just the responsibility of the government to protect the State’s image but also of the media fraternity. “Media need to work to lift and project Goa’s image. The government is committed to making Goa the tourism capital of India and media can play a crucial role in achieving it,” he said.
Sawant urged media persons to help tourists to explore Goa’s hidden gems and tourist spots, its unseen beauty, islands, wildlife etc.
The Chief Minister announced that the government is working on a scheme to provide relief cum support to media persons whose lives or services were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
