Imphal: Stressing that coordination between the government and the media is essential for effective governance, Director, Information and Public Relations (IPR), Government of Manipur, Dr. Th. Charanjeet Singh, MCS, today said that the media plays a crucial role in disseminating government policies and programmes to the people. He was speaking at the one-day media workshop titled “Vartalap” on the theme “12 Years of Governance”, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Regional Office, Imphal, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, at Hotel Imolesh, Old Lambulane, Imphal.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Dr. Th. Charanjeet Singh, stated that such programmes are essential for enhancing coordination among different wings of the government. Speaking on the importance of democracy, he said that the people are supreme in a democratic system and elected representatives govern on their behalf.
He further said that media serves as an important pillar of democracy and effective coordination between the government and the media is important. He noted that policies and programmes formed by the government need to be disseminated to the public so that citizens can understand and avail themselves of the benefits of various schemes and initiatives. In this regard, he said, the media plays a vital role as the primary medium for reaching the people.
He expressed confidence that the workshop would further strengthen the relationship between the government and the media. He observed that journalists need to continuously update their knowledge to effectively communicate government policies and programmes to the people. Stating that the workshop had been designed to provide media professionals with information on National Education Policy (NEP) and economic reforms, he urged the participants to actively engage in the technical sessions and utilise the knowledge gained to disseminate accurate information to the people.
Speaking at the workshop, Director, PIB Regional Office, Imphal, Dr. Engam Pame, IIS, said that India requires a renewed mindset and collective effort from all sections of society to meet future challenges and contribute towards nation-building. He stated that every citizen shares responsibility for the development of the community, society and the country, and stressed the need to uphold ethical and ideological values while working towards a better future.
Dr. Engam Pame further said that during the last 12 years of governance, several welfare schemes and initiatives have been implemented to provide access to basic facilities such as drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education and financial inclusion. He also noted that reforms in the education sector, including the NEP, have been introduced to make education more accessible, affordable and accountable.
Dr. Engam Pame stated that the “Vartalap” programme serves as a media outreach initiative of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) to strengthen engagement with media professionals, facilitate meaningful dialogue on key policy issues and create greater awareness about various developmental programmes, schemes and initiatives of the Government of India.
Delivering the welcome address and keynote speech, Pushpa Maibam, M&CO, PIB Imphal, highlighted the crucial role of the media as a bridge between the Government and the public. She spoke on the Government’s 12 years of governance, outlining various schemes and policies implemented for public welfare. She also introduced two key reforms that were discussed in detail by the resource persons and urged media houses to provide extensive coverage of the NEP to help students, parents, and the wider community to better understand its benefits and opportunities.
Khogendra Khomdram, President, Editor’s Guild Manipur (EGM), praised the workshop organized by PIB as a commendable initiative. He emphasized that the media, being “by the people and for the people,” plays a crucial role in disseminating information on government schemes, policies, education, taxation, and other public welfare initiatives. He noted that welfare schemes, particularly those benefiting women, are meant for the citizens and should not be viewed through a political lens. Stating the importance of responsible journalism, he urged media professionals to remain well-informed and act as effective agents of public awareness. He further expressed EGM’s willingness to cooperate in organizing similar programmes in the future.
Following the inaugural session, technical sessions were conducted on the topic “Economic Reforms (GST)” delivered by A. Dhaneshor Singh, Superintendent, CGST Imphal Commissionerate, and “Educational Reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020” presented by Prof. Angom Dilipkumar Singh, Professor, Department of Physics, Manipur University. The workshop concluded with a round-off session conducted by Moirangthem Rustum Singh, Assistant Director, Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Field Office, Chandel.
Among those present at the workshop were Barun Ray, IRS, Assistant Commissioner, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Imphal; Asem Bhakta Singh, President, All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU); media representatives from various print, electronic and digital media organisations; and officials and staff of PIB Imphal.
