CM appeals to media fraternity to don vanguard roles
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 16 2014:
Noting that the roles and responsibilities of the media fraternity, particularly in places like Manipur which is plagued by all kinds of socio-political issues, violence and economic underdevelopment are enormous.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has appealed to the media fraternity to shoulder the responsibility of vanguards and take the State forward.
Speaking at the 41 st foundation day of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) held at Manipur Press Club here today, Ibobi acknowledged the roles and contributions of journalists to the society.
The media fraternity has been acting like a reliable bridge for communication among different communities of Manipur.
There were times where a slightest provocation or erroneous reporting could spark off misunderstanding and even violent conflict.
With the exception of Assam, Manipur is more advanced than other Northeastern States in the field of journalism and the State's journalists have been doing their duties without any fear or reservation.
The media took commendable roles during many critical phases of the contemporary history of Manipur and the Government is fully aware of it, Ibobi stated adding that the Government would welcome all constructive criticisms.
The Chief Minister also assured all possible help from the side of his Government for the welfare of the journalist fraternity.
A plot has been identified in Langol area for establishment of a Press Academy.
Land acquisition process would be completed shortly in consultation with Settlement Department.
Ibobi also mentioned about the hike of joumalist pen-sion to Rs 4000 per month from Rs 2000 per month.
Activities and functions of DIPR would be revised so as to upgrade and strengthen it.
The existing lone post of Additional Director would be increased to two.
DIOs would be re-designated as Deputy Directors or Assistant Directors.
Necessary vehicles and modem equipment would be procured and manpower of district offices would be enhanced, Ibobi stated.
Speaking on the occasion, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar remarked that the standard journalism in Manipur is comparable to the national standard, if not equivalent.
He also appealed to all emerging journalists of the State to focus more on objective journalism.
AMWJU president Wangkhemcha Shamjai claimed that Manipur publishes greater number of newspapers in the North Eastern States with the exception of Assam.
Manipur is one of the leading States in the North East region in the field of journalism and information technology.
He also highlighted the adverse atmosphere under which media in Manipur have to function because of different factors including pressures exerted from different quarters.
Shamjai also appealed to all journalists of the State to work diligently with dedication.
He also conveyed gratitude to the State Government for hiking the journalist pension scheme amount and allotment of land for establishment of a press colony.
Shamjai said that AMWJU was grateful to some private hospitals for giving discounts to journalists at times of diagnosis, treatment and purchase of medicines.
The function culminated with presentation of shawls to AMWJU founding members and families of expired AMWJU members.
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