Karnataka: Deputy CM Govind Karjol exhorts media to focus on issues of rural areas

MANGALURU: Deputy chief minister Govind Karjol on Sunday exhorted the media fraternity in the state to focus on rural areas of the state in general and nation in particular. Reminding the fourth pillar of democracy that 70% of India resides in rural areas, Karjol said it is this strata of society that needs greater focus compared to issues of urban areas, especially the farmers who play a pivotal role in ensuring food security for the society at large.
Conferring the annual awards of Karnataka Union of Working Journalists at the valedictory function of two-day 35th journalists conference on Sunday, Karjol said media should focus on nation’s development. This development should not be limited to industries, but also farmers, who have success stories on judicious use of water. Karnataka stands number one in this aspect and farmers who have adopted this practice should be focus of attention, he said.
Exhorting agricultural and horticultural universities to focus on their achievements as well, Karjol said when these positive examples are highlighted, the society will reap benefits of their collective wisdom. There are several such success stories in areas of horticulture, agriculture, irrigation, coconut, coffee growing, he said, adding if these examples get highlighted, the state can certainly go up the national ranking in conservation of water resources.
Referring to various demands that the KUWJ flagged with chief minister B S Yediyurappa during the pre-budget meeting, Karjol said he will personally strive to get the Rs 5 crore welfare fund that CM announced in the budget increased to Rs 50 crore. “I will strive to ensure Rs 5 crore is granted for construction of ‘Patrika Bhavan’ in Bengaluru and increase the amount set aside for their construction in district level from present Rs 25 lakh,” he said.
Highlighting the contribution that Mahatma Gandhi played in fostering journalism in pre-Independence era with the Young Indian and Harijan and the impact that these papers had on the freedom movement, Karjol exhorted KUWJ to institute an award in the name of Father of the nation. This will spur young upcoming journalists to know about role that Gandhiji played, he said adding this is as important as remembering veteran journalists as well.
Earlier, Nalin Kumar Kateel, DK MP likened journalists to ‘Guru’ (teacher) who have power of Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar – to create, sustain or destroy. “Journalists play this role in lives of politicians by pointing their mistakes and help them be better,” he said. KUWJ announced that 36th journalist’s state conference will be held in Kalaburagi. Karjol, who is district minister of Kalaburagi assured his full cooperation for the event.