Imphal: The 73rd Information and Public Relations Day was celebrated at DIPR Auditorium, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal Monday. 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 DIPR is very important and what the department has done for the public is well known. It is multi-faceted, not only does it inform the public about the activities and achievements of the government but also creates a good relationship between the government and the public.
Former Director (IPR), Meghachandra Kongbam who attended the celebration as the guest of honour stated that DIPR plays an enormous role in a democratic country like India. One of its important roles is to disseminate important information to people in far-flung areas of the state and bridge the gap between the government and the public. The primary duty of the department is to carry out public relations practices. He also suggested opening IPR offices at the Sub-divisional level too.
In his Presidential address, director (IPR) H Balkrisna Singh said that the role of DIPR is to inform, educate and enlighten the public on the activities and achievements of the government. The state government is trying its best to inform and educate the people about the welfare and development activities undertaken to enlist the public’s participation through DIPR.
The Director further stated that in tune with the fast-changing world of today, DIPR is improving a lot. Advertisement and hoardings of government schemes and flagship programmes are being displayed in various places from time to time. It is releasing press releases to disseminate information to the public on achievements, activities and programmes of the government. 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 that the government has deposited Rs 10 crores as Corpus fund under Manipur Journalist Welfare Scheme.
So far, Rs 25 lakhs has been spent on financial assistance to ailing journalists and deceased and 50 journalists have benefited from the scheme. Payment of Pension amount was also increased from Rs 4000 to Rs 8000 and Rs 2000 to Rs 5000 respectively. One time age relaxation was permitted for enrolment to the pension scheme for journalists above 45 years up to 65 years. As a milestone achievement of the department, the 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 Haorongbam, video editor of the department was felicitated by presenting a memento and shawl by the chief guest.
Retired Officers, Officers and staff of DIPR attended the celebration.
