IT News
Imphal, Nov 1
Government spokesperson Thongam Biswajit Singh who is also the Information and Public Relations Minister today said that the government has a firm determination to expand the present Directorate of Information and Public Relations and open well-equipped District Information Offices in all 16 Revenue districts of the State.
Biswajit was addressing the 71st Information and Public Relations Day, 2019 held this morning at the Keishampat office of the directorate.
As part of the foundation day celebration, the directorate also handed over awards in eight different categories for their outstanding service to the department
In his speech, Biswajit elaborated that the department has several shortcomings including lack of manpower, fund constraints, infrastructure and that the government has plans to develop and revamp the directorate by meeting all these shortcomings.
Elaborating further that it is his vision to see well functioning District Information Offices in all revenue districts, the Minister said that the government has been able to bridge the gap between the hills and the valley and that there is no apprehension today while visiting any corner of the State. He said this is a good sign of peace and development in the State.
The IPR Minister said it is to everyone’s knowledge that media houses face several limitations and pressures; however, we should ensure that our media houses are independent so that their reporting is clear and unbiased. At the same time, media houses and journalists should maintain a balanced reporting, he said.
The IPR Minister also expressed the need for the DIPR and media houses to work in close proximity. He said that the DIPR and the media should strengthen their relation to win the trust of the public. He said that the DIPR and media should go together and share a positive and constructive relation to develop Manipur, he said.
It is time for all section of the society to take responsibility and co-operate with each other to develop Manipur, he added.
Meanwhile, highlighting some initiatives and achievements of the DIPR, the Minister said that the DIPR has introduced the Manipur Journalists’ Welfare Schemes, Manipur Journalists’ Pension Scheme for the welfare of the media fraternity of the State.
DIPR has been educating and sharing information on various government programmes, policies and schemes through social media platforms like You-tube, Facebook and DIPR apps, he added.
Commissioner IPR Kh Raghumani said that DIPR plays and important role in sharing information about the various departments and their schemes to the public.
Adding that the directorate is facing various shortcomings at the moment, the commissioner also reiterated the need to expand the directorate and strengthen it.
He further highlighted the initiatives of the department including educating public on government schemes, conducting internal and external tours for media persons, etc.
Director IPR, H.Balkrisna Singh said DIPR is in a transitional phase now. The directorate is moving to its own office building at Keishampat from the temporary office at Manipur State Transport office complex.
Seeking cooperation of all, he said that the directorate is also hoping to complete the shifting process by the end of this year.
The award for staffs of the department is being given to motivate and encourage the staffs who work round the clock, he added.
He further said that the award is a kind of recognition and acknowledgement of the staffs to boost their moral. He said this will also act as a realization to our responsibilities. He further encouraged the staff to continue performing and to perform better.
As part of the function, Biswajit also released the October issue of Manipur Today.
The recipients of the awards are Tenshubam Ranita (Reporter), Nongmainganbi Maibam (Reporter) and Irungbam Prabin (Information Assistant) for Outstanding Performance in News Reporting; Joshep Longjam (Translator) for Outstanding Performance in News Reporting (District); Keithelakpam Kiran and Pukhrihongbam Romesh (Photographers) in Outstanding Performance in Photo Video Service; Banabanta Ngangom (Data Entry Operator) Outstanding Performance in Publication Works; Thangjam Dhananjoy Singh (Cinema Operator) and Wangkheirakpam Panorama Devi (Announcer) in Outstanding Performance in Field Work; Akoijam Chinglen (LDC) and RS Ngasaiphung (LDC) in Outstanding Performance in Establishments & Accounts; urikhinbam manitomba Singh, Ningthoujam Tomba Singh (Drivers) and L.Samamnanda Singh and S.Jitendra Singh (Grade IV staffs) for Outstanding Performance amongst Class-D staffs and Singam Peter (Grade-IV) in Special Commendation Award.
Biswajit alongwith officials of the department also inspected the new building
Today’s function was attended by retired officials and staffs of the directorate, present officials and staffs of the directorate, representatives from media firms of the State among others.
