Journalists, hawkers two wheels of cycle: MLA Nishikant
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 25 2022: Manipur Hawkers' Association celebrated the 41st Hawkers' Day at Manipur Press Club here on Wednesday.

During the observance, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of deceased hawkers (newspaper distributors) as a mark of respect.

In his speech as chief guest of the event, Keishamthong AC MLA Nishikant Singh Sapam recalled that newspapers (print media) were the main source of information for the people before electronic media came into being.

Operating a media house is difficult and the responsibilities and inconveniences faced by hawkers are known to all.

Both the journalist and the hawker play an important role in disseminating information to the masses and as such, they can be regarded as the pair of wheels on a bicycle.

He then urged the hawkers to inform him about any assistance required, adding that he will do his utmost to help in the matter.

The MLA also assured of talking with the Chief Minister regarding lack of an office of Manipur Hawkers' Association, pension scheme and insurance policy.

The CM himself used to be an editor and thus, will be willing to take action in such matters, he added.

The MLA further recalled that newspapers back in old days used to be published on only a single page but now is published with 12 pages and cost around Rs 6 whereas in Guwahati, the price is now Rs 9.As publishers face a lot of difficulty in procuring newsprint paper owing to inflation, it is reasonable for hawkers to want to increase the prices, he opined and urged for requesting the same to the media house owners, while giving his consent on the matter.

Nishikant then said that he established a media house with the aim of curbing corruption and has been standing by his pre-poll promise of not engaging in corrupt activities.

He may not be able to work at the same level as that of the CM but will fulfill his responsibilities as an MLA to the best of his ability.

Manipur Hawkers' Association general secretary Laikhuram Surjit said that it has been 3-4 years since Hawkers' Day was included in the holiday list of AMWJU, to remember the path shown by our elders.

Being a hawker is not just about earning an income but also serving the people by helping to disseminate information, he stated, while informing that the annual blood donation camp organised on the observance day every year will be scheduled to another day for this year.

Appreciating the CM for distributing the CMHT cards to the hawkers, Surjit conveyed that around 20 hawkers have availed the benefits till date and many more will soon be receiving their CMHT cards as well.

He then urged MLA Nishikant to help in realization of the assurance given by the CM to take up a pension scheme and insurance policy for hawkers, along with setting up an office for the Association.

Presided over by Manipur Hawkers' Association president Wangkhem Ajit, the observance was also attended by Dhanamanjuri University Vice Chancellor Professor Nongmaithem Rajmuhon as guest of honour.

As part of the observance, 'Sinfamduda' a book pended by hawker cum writer Samom Raghumani was presented to the dignitaries, followed by distribution of CMHT cards to the hawkers.

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