Imphal: Timely dissemination of authentic information and promotion of vernacular languages through government communication are essential for strengthening the role of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), stated Oinam Sunil Singh, Advisor (Media) to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Manipur, while emphasising the need to strengthen the Directorate’s professional capabilities.
The 78th Information and Public Relations Day, 2026, was celebrated today at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Oinam Sunil Singh highlighted the importance of information dissemination and stressed the need to enhance the speed of news dissemination by the Directorate. He stated that timely dissemination of news would enable the press media to pick up government information promptly and give it wider coverage, including prominence in headlines.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening DIPR’s news dissemination in Meiteilon, recalling that the Directorate had earlier regularly disseminated news in the language. He stated that Manipuri (Meiteilon) was the common language connecting the 36 communities of Manipur and stressed that the Directorate should take initiatives to popularise the language through its news dissemination. He appealed to DIPR officials to deliberate on the matter and take necessary steps in this regard.
Emphasising the need for a dedicated professional cadre, he stated that the proposed Manipur Information Service was essential for strengthening the department. He expressed appreciation to the Secretary (IPR) for her support and thanked the Director for taking forward the proposal. He also urged officials with journalism and media backgrounds to continue contributing their professional expertise to the department rather than moving to other administrative services, pointing out that it takes nearly 10 years to develop into a fully-fledged journalist. He stressed the importance of retaining trained media professionals within the department to strengthen its institutional capacity.
He also urged DIPR officials to formulate a policy for digital media and introduce a system for registering digital media organisations under the Directorate to ensure better regulation and recognition of the growing digital media sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Neeta Arambam, IAS, Secretary (IPR), Government of Manipur, highlighted that the department has two major aspects, information and public relations, with the responsibility of ensuring that authentic government information reaches citizens quickly, accurately and effectively, while also maintaining effective public relations.
She stated that in the present digital age, information, whether genuine or fake, travels across the world within seconds. In this regard, she emphasised the importance of communicating truthfully, accurately and responsibly, particularly through the newly launched website of the department. She stressed that the role of the Directorate should go beyond merely issuing press releases and sharing government communications, and that it must function as a bridge through which government information reaches the people and the people’s voices reach the government.
Referring to the significance of the celebration, she stated that the day was also an occasion to honour retired colleagues for their valuable service and recognise outstanding employees for their achievements. She added that the strength of the department depended on the dedication and commitment of its employees, with every staff member having an important role in strengthening public service and improving the functioning of the Directorate.
Giving the welcome address, W. Phajatombi Devi, MCS, Additional Director (IPR), stated that although the Directorate might be considered a small department, it carries significant responsibilities. She acknowledged the shortage of manpower in the Directorate but highlighted that it had continued to provide coverage for major state-level functions and other important events.
She also elaborated on the history of the Directorate, stating that the department was established in 1949 and upgraded to the Directorate in 1974. In 1975, it further expanded its activities to different district headquarters. She further highlighted that one of the meaningful traditions of the annual celebration was the opportunity to share a meal with retired employees of the Directorate, providing an occasion to reconnect with former colleagues and acknowledge their contributions to the department.
The programme also featured the felicitation of retired officials and best-performing employees of DIPR.
The programme was attended by T. Ramesh Singh, Additional Director (P&D), along with officials and staff of DIPR, pensioners and representatives of various media bodies and media organisations.
