Low salary sentiment high at Press Club birthday
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 07 2014: Media fra-ternity appealing to both the publishers and the Government for hiking salary amount of the journalists and the State Go-vernment authorities soliciting positive criticism marked the 39th foundation day celebra-tion of Manipur Press Club held on December 6 at the Club.

The celebration was held with Chief Minister Okram ibobi Singh and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union president Wangkhemcha Shyamjai as the chief guest and functional president respectively.

Indian Journalists' Union president SN Sinha, Union's secretary Geetartha Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister Gai-khangam, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai Devi and Parliamentary Secretary (IPR) K Meghachandra Singh graced the celebration as the guests of honour.

Seeking cooperation of the media in strengthening the de-mocratic fabric of India along with stating that media as the fourth pillar of democracy needs to play pro-active role in moulding the society, chief Minister O Ibobi said judicious usage of the freedom of expression provision in the Indian Constitution could bring about positive change in the country.

TSE Moreh Correspondent

Noting contribution of the media in insurgency-prone manipur, Ibobi conveyed that Government do not have any inhibition in heartily welcoming all positive criticism even if the media report exposes Government failures on certain issues.

Sharing similar sentiment as the CM, Deputy CM Gai-khangam applauded the State media persons for maintaining 'balance' regardless of working under one of the most challenging situations.

Along with judiciary, executive and legislature, the media is an important asset of a democratic set-up that could spur overall development in the State and bring about heal-thy change in the society, said Gaikhangam who nevertheless asked the media fraternity not to act as an 'above the law' entity.

Conceding that Anti-Defection Law is a disgrace for the people's representatives but had to be enacted to rein in unparliamentary conduct of the legislators, he said the media fraternity too should follow prescribed norms in order to avoid restrictive legislation.

IJU president SN Sinha in his address conceded that national media either do not give adequate coverage to the North East region or has no objective to mitigate suffering of the people.

Acknowledging that the scribes in Manipur are working under tremendous pres- sure, he proposed that the Government of Manipur implement welfare programme for the journalists including pension scheme, life insurance and health insurance.

The union president also strongly advocated decent salary for the State journalists keeping into account rising cost of living.

He also applauded unity among the scribes of Manipur and assured all possible assistance of the Union in resolving outstanding issues.

Speaking at the occasion, Geetartha Pathak said some State governments including Assam, where he hails from, and Tripura, journalists are ensured atleast Rs 6000 pension amount per month with the respective Government bearing the entire premium amount.

AMWJU team members who won various medals in different events at the recently held NE journalists' sports festival at Guwahati were also honoured by the dignitaries at the occasion with presentation of traditional scarves and mementoes.