IT News
Imphal, June 1:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh today announced rupees 5 to 10 lakhs ex-gratia for media persons who succumb to COVID 19 in line of their duties.
The announcement came following a representation from both Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) and All Manipur working Journalist (AMWJU) who called on him today to discuss the distresses media houses in Manipur were going through because of the COVID 19 pandemic.
The media team raised the issue of media employees who are at the risk of exposing to COVID 19 while covering news during the pandemic as well as the pressure on the media houses to keep the media houses operating. EGM and AMWJU drew the attention of the CM to various packages announced by other states for journalists and also closing or downsizing of many national media houses in India because of the pandemic.
“In Manipur we have kept the media running, albeit with reduced page numbers, after understanding the need of an active media in combating the COVID-19 pandemic” the team told the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, after listening to the joint team assured an ex- gratia for any media person who succumbs to COVID -19. He also said that similar scheme for other frontline worriers like the police among others will be given after putting up in a Cabinet meeting. He also directed the Chief Secretary Suresh Babu, who was also present at the meeting, to clear all pending advertising bills owed to various government departments to ease the financial stress on the media houses of Manipur.
Member of Editors’ Guild Manipur and All Manipur Working Journalist’s Union, thanked the Chief Minister for recognizing the contribution of the media in fighting the COVID 19 pandemic.