Pune, June 7 (IANS): Expressing concern over "weak and insecure financial situation of media persons in India", union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Sunday said it affects the "honest, transparent and professional journalism".

Addressing an award function, 'Narad Puraskar', for journalists here, Naqvi said the media is the most independent and powerful in India but weak and insecure financial situation of media people is a matter of concern.

"We have to think seriously about the financial situation of media persons as they show direction to the society through their work. Due to media vigil, the governments work with complete alertness," he said.

"India is the biggest democracy of the world and media is an important pillar of the country. Safety, prosperity of this pillar is in the interest of our democratic system," he added.

Naqvi said that social media, along with electronic and print media, has also created a space for itself in the society.

He urged journalists, especially the young ones, to avail benefits of the central government's welfare schemes such as Atal Pension Yojna, Pradhanmantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojna and Pradhanmantri Suraksha Bima Yojna.