Minister Khashim advocates constructive reporting
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Mamang

Ukhrul, August 21 2024: Recognising the role of media in highlighting the public concerns, Transport minister Khashim Vashum has appealed to both print and electronic media to shift away from negative criticism and prioritise positive, constructive media reporting in order to effectively address issues besetting the society.

"It is my earnest appear to both print and electronic media to play a positive role, while highlighting the grievances of the people, especially in remote hill areas.

I urge the media fraternity to focus on positive, constructive reporting rather than simply criticising the authorities for the problems," minister Khashim Vashum told a team of Ukhrul-based media persons during a brief interaction in Ukhrul town on Tuesday.

He stressed on the importance of highlighting the concerns of the people through a lens of constructive approach that can foster better understanding between the authorities and the people, paving the way for solutions.

The minister continued that it is often the media personnel who have constant contact with the public and have a better understanding of their issues.

"There could be several issues that the authorities are unaware of.

In such cases, the media can positively point out what could be done to address the problems, rather than criticising the authorities," he suggested.

Khashim Vashum, who is also the minister for Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, mentioned that his department's efforts to safeguard livestock health have borne fruits.

He revealed that the department has been able to provide a range of vaccines and medications at no cost to farmers to help them protect their animals.

He stated that in the past few years, the department faced challenges that led to complaints about the vaccines and treatments not reaching the needy farmers.

"Now these issues are being addressed on priority basis, and my focus is to make these vaccines and medicines readily accessible for farmers to support the well being of their livestock," he said.

Free vaccines for various diseases, including HSBQ, Lumpy Skin-Disease, Swine Fever, BPR, and Anti-Rabies vaccines, along with antibiotics, are now available at no cost.

"We are in the process of arranging more such provision," the Minister informed.

At the same time, the minister emphasised that the veterinary department has made significant strides by recruiting new vet doctors, field assistants, and other essential staff for Ukhrul district, which had struggled with manpower shortages for years.

Additionally, the recent provision of two mobile veterinary ambulances has further strengthened the department's capabilities in the district, he added.

He also stated that the mobile ambulance service has been extended to include Kasom Khullen block in Kamjong district, after its successful introduction in Phungcham village under Chingai block and Ukhrul block, adding that farmers can conveniently access the mobile ambulance services by simply calling 1962 .

"With these improvements, the department is now operating more effectively, providing services to even the most remote areas of the district as needs arise," he said.

"To show the presence of our department in the hill districts, I also appeal to all our staffs to render sacrificial services." he added.

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