'Media must expose wrongdoings of Govt'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 07 2014:
Maintaining that press/media is the fourth pillar of democracy, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has said that media needs to expose the wrongdoings of the Government to the public in order to strengthen the democracy and its institutions.
The Chief Minister was speaking as Chief Guest of the 39th foundation day of Manipur Press Club held at its premises at Majorkhul here yesterday.
Ibobi further said that the Government wholeheartedly welcomes any constructive criticism given by the media.
The media is not just information disseminator, but also acts as watchdog of the society.
The freedom of press should be respected by all and the media must play constructive roles in the society, the Chief Minister asserted.
Attending as Guest of Honour, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that the role of media in the society is rapidly expanding with fast pace globalization and development.
The media must ensure to promote peace and harmony in the State.
The freedom of press should not be misinterpreted and the media personnel must strictly adhere to their professional ethics, he averred.
Deputy CM also lauded the members of AMWJU who bagged the Overall Team Champion's Trophy of 5th Northeast Journalists' Sports Festival-2013 held at Guwahati.
Gaikhangam further maintained that the achievement of the state journalists in the Northeast Journalists' Sports Festival has indeed proved Manipur as the "Powerhouse of Sports" in India.
President of Journalists' Union of Assam and Secretary of Indian Journalists' Union Geetartha Pathak said that the journalists have been rendering significant contributions to the society, but their working conditions are not up to the mark.
The Government should also take up pension and insurance schemes for the journalists.
Notably, the Assam Government has already raised the journalists' pension to Rs.5000 along with various other insurance schemes.
The public must also render utmost support and cooperation to the journalists, the President of JUA appealed.
President of Indian Journalists' Union SN Sinha said that the journalists of the State are doing their duties quite well, and so measures for improving their working condition must be considered by all concerned.
The recommendations of appropriate wage boards should be implemented for the journalists of the State, he added.
President of All Manipur Working Journalists' UnionWangkhemcha Shyamjai spoke at length about the establishment and development of Manipur Press Club, and also highlighted the problems faced by the journalists in the State.
The players of AMWJU team, who won the Overall Team Champion's trophy in the 5th Northeast Journalists' Sports Festival-2013 held at Guwahati, were also felicitated along with release of a souvenir during the occasion.
The foundation day was also attended by Social Welafre Minister AK Mirabai, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and Parliementary Secretary of IPR K Meghachandra.
Team Champion's trophy in the 5th Northeast Journalists' Sports Festival-2013 held at Guwahati, were also felicitated along with release of a souvenir during the occasion.
The foundation day was also attended by Social Welafre Minister AK Mirabai, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and Parliementary Secretary of IPR K Meghachandra.
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