'Press Academy be set up'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 16 2014: Veteran journalists of the state, who dedicated their service to the profession deserve recognition with payment of pensions by government, said Manipur Chief Minister during the celebration of 41st Foundation day of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) held at Manipur Press Club here today.

Manipur Chief Minister O.Ibobi who graced the function as chief guest informed the gathering that the government is making efforts to establish a Press Academy, for which the land would be provided at Lamphelpat in Imphal West district.

Emphasizing the exceptional activities of the journalists in the midst of various crimes and problems in hill and valley areas, the Chief Minister lauded the role played by the journalists in bringing about a welfare state.

While observing that journalists of Manipur are ahead of their counterparts in Assam excepting Guwahati, Chief Minister Ibobi appealed to the journalists to work with sensitive mind and view.

41st Foundation day of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) held at Manipur Press Club

Saying that his government welcomes suggestions from the journalist community for improvement in governance, the chief guest also called upon the journalists to call up anytime for any eventuality.

Minister of Works and Transport Dr.Kh.

Ratankumar also attended as guest of honour during the programme presided over by AMWJU President Wangkhemcha Shyamjai.

As part of the programme, founders of AMWJU, veteran journalists of the state and spouses of deceased journalists were honoured with presentation of gifts and mementoes.

In his Presidential address, Wangkhemcha Shaymjai pointed out that even though Manipur journalists encounter frequent conflicts with various elements, the journalists are following the guidelines of Press Council of India.

The state correspondents of National newspapers have been provided their accommodation at Manipur Press Club, informed Shyamjai.

Expressing concern over the fate of journalists who would retire after attaining 60 years of age, the AMWJU president drew the attention of the government towards providing retirement benefits like pensions for them.

Saying that the Chief Minister has also given approval for setting up a Press Academy at Lamphelpat, Shyamjai informed the gathering that a Press Housing Colony would also be developed.

Citing the various medical facilities available for the state journalists, the president of the journalists' body said the Babina Diagnostics is providing 30 percent discount on treatment of journalists and their families, while Subha Hospital, Shija Hopital and Raj Polyclinic are giving 25 percent discount for the same.

Langol View Hospital is providing 15 percent for treatment of journalists and their family members, while JNIMS Hospital gives a 15 percent discount on medicines, informed Shyamjai.

At present, AMWJU has 300 members and 6 veteran journalists are given a monthly pension of Rs.4000/-, while widows of journalists are provided Rs.2000/- per month as pension, Shyamjai added.

Informing that AMWJU has joined Press Council of India, Indian Journalists Union and Indian labour Union, AMWJU President said the next meeting of Indian Journalists Union would be held in Manipur.

Dr.Kh.

Ratankumar, while lauding the works of journalists in this conflict ridden state, appealed to the journalists to follow the established ethics in the profession.