Madikeri: The three Kodagu MLAs, K.G. Bopaiah from Madikeri, B.A. Jivijaya from Somwarpet, and H.D. Basavaraj from Virajpet, at a function here on Sunday highlighted the importance of the media in a democratic setup, and urged presspersons to remain committed to the welfare of society.

They were addressing members of the media at the Kodagu Patrika Bhavan here after the inauguration of the foundation-laying ceremony for the construction of a multipurpose auditorium on the first floor of the building at a cost of Rs. 9 lakh.

Mr. Jivijaya, who inaugurated the function, said that corruption in public life had marred the image of elected representatives and officials, especially in the recent past. Five decades ago, elected representatives had it as their goal to serve society. Unfortunately, corruption had spoilt the entire political system, he lamented.

It was pathetic that the people of Kodagu had not cultivated the habit of making demands before the authorities through protests and agitations, he said, quoting several instances.

Mr. Jivijaya said that Government officials should respond to the woes of the people and take the benefits of government programmes to them. Elected representatives and officials should know that their chief goal was to serve the people, he added.

Mr. Bopaiah, who performed the "guddali puja" ceremony, urged the media to play the role of a watchdog in society in order to ensure the welfare of the people. All the four "estates" — the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and the press — had to perform their respective roles properly to ensure an effective functioning of democracy, he added.

Mr. Basavaraj said that the press acted as a bridge between the Government and the people. Newspapers and electronic media could play a vital role in eradicating corruption in society by creating awareness on this scourge in public life. He urged the press, however, to exercise restraint while writing critical analyses, and said they should always be constructive.

Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav extended all support to the project of the Kodagu Patrika Bhavan Trust at the Kodagu Patrika Bhavan.

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