DIPR basks under its foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 01 2021: The 73rd Information and Public Relations Day was celebrated at DIPR Auditorium, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal today.

It was on this day in 1949 that the publicity office of the Government of Manipur was set up with late RK Maipaksana as the first Publicity Officer.

Speaking at the celebration as chief guest, Commissioner (IPR), M Joy Singh said that the role of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations is very important and what the department has done for the public is well known.

It not only keeps the public informed about the activities and achievements of the Government but also plays a huge role in creating a good relation between Government and the public, he said.

Former Director (IPR), Meghachandra Kongbam who attended the celebration as guest of honour stated that DIPR plays an enormous role in a democratic country like India as it engages in disseminating important information to people in far-flung areas of the State to bridge the gap between the Government and the public.

He also suggested his longing for opening of IPR offices at the sub-divisional level too.

DIPR basks under its foundation day

In his address as the functional president, Director (IPR) H Balkrisna Singh said that the role of DIPR is to inform, educate and enlighten the public on the activities and achievement of the Government.

The Director further stated that in tune with the fast changing world of today, DIPR is improving a lot.

Advertisements and hoardings of Government's schemes and flagship programmes are being displayed in various places from time to time and press releases constantly reach media houses for wider publicity on the achievements, activities and programmes of the Government.

He also noted that DIPR is the medium between the public and the Government.

While elaborating on the initiative taken up by the State Government for the welfare of the journalist fraternity, he said the Government has deposited Rs 10 crore as corpus fund under Manipur Journalist Welfare Scheme.

So far, Rs 25 lakh has been spent on financial assistance to ailing and deceased journalists.

So far, 50 journalists have benefited from the scheme, he said.

Payment of pension amount has also increased from Rs 4000 to Rs 8000.One time age relaxation was also permitted for enrolment for pension scheme for journalists above 45 years upto 65 years, he added.

As a milestone achievement of the Department, Incentive Cash award for Editor was increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 from last year under Manipur State Journalist's Award Scheme.

A historic press conducted tour to Myanmar was organised in the year 2018, he added.

As part of the function, Rajat Kamal Awardee of the 67th National Film Award, 2021 Maipaksana Haorungbam, who is also the video editor of the department was felicitated with a memento and a shawl by the chief guest.

Retired officers, officers and staff of the department also attended the celebration.