PIB holds media workshop on PM-JUGA in Chandel
Source: The Sangai Express / PIB

Chandel, August 07 2026: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Regional Office, Imphal, on Friday organised a one-day media workshop (Varta)on the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA) at Khungpham's Heritage, Mantri Pantha, Chandel district The workshop was organised to enhance awareness about the Government of India's flagship welfare programme and familiarise media professionals with the objectives, implementation framework and benefits of PM-JUGA, while strengthening their capacity to disseminate authentic and factual information.

The programme was inaugurated by Chandel AC (ST) MLA Ss Olish in the presence of Addl Director General, PIB Regional Office, Imphal, Dr Engam Pame, IIS; Chairperson of the MSCW, Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang; MSCW member SK Sophia Moyon; Sub-Deputy Collector, Chandel Headquarters, Promilata Monsang Wanglar; and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Ss Olish underscored the vital role of the media in ensuring the effective implementation of Government welfare schemes.

Urging journalists to spread awareness about developmental initiatives, she described the media as capable of reaching the "last mile" and called on them to disseminate only accurate and verified information.

She also cautioned against misinformation, stating that unverified reports could create unnecessary confusion and disturb social harmony.

Expressing confidence in PM-JUGA, she said the scheme would play a transformative role in accelerating the development of Chandel, one of the country's Aspirational Districts.

Presiding over the inaugural session, Dr Engam Pame said PM-JUGA is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at ensuring the holistic development of tribal communities through a convergence-based approach He said the scheme is expected to benefit more than five crore tribal citizens living in 63,000 tribal-dominated villages across over 549 districts.

Highlighting the media's role in bridging the gap between the Government and the people, Dr Pame said journalists are key partners in ensuring that welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries.

Earlier, Media and Communication Officer, PIB Regional Office, Imphal, Pushpa Maibam delivered the keynote address and welcomed the participants.

She emphasised that journalists remain among the most trusted sources of information, particularly in rural and tribal areas, and encouraged them to actively engage in the discussions.

During the technical session, SDC Promilata Monsang Wanglar presented the latest status of PM-JUGA implementation in Manipur, outlining the scheme's objectives, implementation framework, financial provisions and districtwise progress.

She informed that 516 villages in Manipur have been identified under the scheme for implementation over a five-year period from 2024-25 to 2028-29.She further stated that PM-JUGA, also known as the Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, was launched nationwide on October 2, 2024, with a total outlay of Rs 79,156 crore, aiming to ensure saturation of essential services in tribalmajority villages through the coordinated efforts of 17 Central Ministries.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks proposed by M Rustum Singh, who appreciated the active participation of media professionals and expressed hope that tire workshop would promote informed and effective reporting on PM-JUGA .

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