Imphal: National Press Day 2022 was observed here on Wednesday by conferring various awards to journalists in different categories.
Manipur Works/YAS Minister Govindas Konthoujam said that from time immemorial media has played an immense role in nation-building.
Govindas further stated that the credibility of the media houses has been lowered due to the trend of paid news and social media intrusion. There is a need for monitoring from both the government and media houses for the transparent functioning of the media fraternity, he added.
Stating that despite the recorded cases of assault and mishandling of journalists, the Minister said the courage of journalists has not been dampened.
He added that media should be taken care of apart from its recognition and the government is committed to the welfare of the people of the state which includes the media fraternity. Media persons should work with determination and dedication for the welfare of society, he added.
IPR Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh said that with the increase in the number of media houses in the state, the authenticity of the news before publishing needs to be checked.
He said the speed of disseminating news is faster because of the technology and it may spread false concepts to the people.
Regarding the dissemination of news and other social issues through social media, the Minister said that streamlining social media considering legal terms without complicity is the need of the hour.
The Minister further added that for the welfare of the media fraternity of the state regarding the pension scheme and welfare scheme provided through DIPR, he will apprise the issue to the government as early as possible.
Fishery Minister H. Dingo Singh said that the media plays a big role in the welfare of the state, Acknowledging the dedication of the media fraternity, the Minister said that he will also address the grievances of the media persons to the government.
A seminar on “The Media’s Role in Nation Building” was also held as part of the observance.
As part of the observance, Manipur State Journalists Awards were conferred to media persons of the State working in a different field.
The Awards that are conferred Wednesday are for Editorials, news items and articles published during the calendar year 2021 for the following categories – i) Best Editor on National Integration & Communal Harmony to Ningombam Hemantakumar, Editor, Sanaleibak Daily, ii) Reporting on Public Health & Hygiene to Moirangthem Khagemba Meetei, Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily, iii) Rural Reporting to Moirangthem Khagemba Meetei, Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily, iv) Reporting on Art & Culture to Shri Robinson Wahengbam, Staff Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily, v) Parliamentary Reporting to Taorem Bishwajit Singh, Sub-Editor, Sanaleibak Daily, vi) Science & Technology Reporting to Shri Maibam Kenedy Singh, Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily, vii) Reporting on Women and Children to Shri Rabi Takhellambam, Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily and viii) Sports Reporting to Khumukcham Joychand Singh, Sub-Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao.
It may be worth mentioning that National Press Day is observed every year all over the states in India. It is symbolic of a free and responsible press in India. This was the day on which the Press Council of India started functioning as a moral watchdog to ensure that not only did the press maintain the high standards expected from this powerful medium but also that it was fettered by the influence or threats of any extraneous factors. November 16, therefore, personifies a responsible and free press in the country.
The observance was attended by President, AMWJU, Wangkhemcha Shamjai; President, EGM, Khogendra Khomdram; President, MHJU Peter Adani; as guests of honours. Eminent media persons of the State, officials and staff of Information and Public Relations, students of Journalism and Mass Communication, Manipur University and State Institute of Journalism, DIPR also attended the observance.
