TSE staff bags reporter award
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 16 2014 : Chief Minister Okram Ibobi today conferred the State Journalist Award on The Sangai Express staff reporter Sapam Aruna on National Press Day celebration, organised by Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) at Manipur Press Club.

Aruna was honoured with the award for her effective reporting on women and children issues.

Aja Editor Ashiho Hungyo was conferred the Best Editor Award for her editorials on communal harmony.

Naharolgi Thoudang sub-editor Kshetri Meghajit was conferred the State Journalist Award for his news reports on health and hygiene.

The same award was presented to Hueiyen Lanpao staff reporter Laishram Bijoy for rural reporting, Hueiyen Lanpao staff reporter Meisnam Karnajit for news reports related to science and technology, Poknapham staff reporter RK Manisana in the field of games and sports, People's Chronicle staff reporter Longjam Arishrona for her news reports on art and culture and Hueiyen Lanpao staff reporter Puyam Rameshwar for parliamentary reporting.

S Aruna receiving the prize from the CM

The awards carried a citation, a shawl and Rs 25,000 each.

In his speech, Okram Ibobi, who attended the function as chief guest, said that a separate Commissioner is yet to be appointed for DIPR.

For the said purpose, O Ibobi said, a three-member committee comprising the Chief Minister, a Cabinet Minister and the Opposition leader, must be constituted first.

He added that the matter is however delayed due to the present political instability prevailing inside Trinamool Congress, which is the main Opposition party.

Saying that the State Government does not have any intention to disrespect the directive of the High Court or delay the matter, O Ibobi said that legal experts are being consulted to expedite the matter.

Lauding the contributions of the media and scribes in disseminating information to the public, the Chief Minister urged the State media fraternity to carry authentic news reports only.

Contending that the State Government would never undermine the role of the media, O Ibobi urged the scribes to share their problems with him.

All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president W Shyamjai was the president of the function while IPR Parliamentary Secretary K Meghachandra and IPR Director W Rajen were the guests of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, K Meghachandra said that media always brings society to the right path.

As part of the celebration, a workshop on the topic, 'Transparency in public affairs : The role of the media' was held with Imphal Free Press Group Editor Pradip Phanjoubam as the moderator.

Manipur University Senior PRO M Saratchandra, AIR and DDK Imphal News Editor Dr A Ibomcha and ISTV Chief Editor Brozendro Ningomba presented papers at the workshop.