IT News
Imphal, Nov. 23
IPR minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today inaugurated two days long National Executive Meeting of Indian Journalists’ Union (IJU) at the conference Hall of MIMS, Manipur University.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Biswajit stated that the media fraternity has a key role to play towards bringing a vibrant democratic society. As journalists are providing voice to the voiceless people, their reports should maintain clarity and well balance.
Minister also maintained that journalists should perform their duties with dynamic outlook as they have to perform multiple tasks. He also encourages journalists to specialise in various areas of reporting.
Minister also highlighted various initiatives taken up by the Government for the welfare of the Journalists. He informed that Manipur State Journalist Welfare Scheme was first implemented in 2017 after the formation of new Government .And the scheme is providing one-time financial assistance to the accredited and recognised journalists of Manipur for one time ex-gratia relief on an urgent basis to journalists and their families.
He also asserted that the government is putting all efforts to increase monthly pension for retired journalist and family pensioners and will be increased soon after cabinet approval.
Minister also observed that National Press Day is observed on 16 November every year to ensure that freedom of Speech is maintained.
Minister also informed that a site for constructing Press Park and press Academy has been selected. He urged journalists to work with a vision for a better society .Minister also appealed to members of IJU who came from across the country, to visit Manipur Sangai Festival and write about Manipur and its rich cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion Vice President of International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Sabina Indrajit highlighted the frequent attack on journalists carried out in the country .She also called for setting up special court to look after the cases. As media is the fourth pillar of democracy, if media is vibrant, democracy will thrive in the country.
Addressing the gathering president –in-charge of Indian Journalists Union, Geetartha Pathak stated that journalists are lowly paid and they are not getting any facility. He maintained that wage board should be implemented in the State and pension for journalists should be increase up to 15,000.
President of All Manipur Working Journalists‘Union, (AMWJU) Bijoy Kakchingtabam stated that Manipur Working Journalists Scheme was introduced in the year, 1996 .He also spoke on various welfare schemes implemented by the government for the welfare of the journalists in the State.
Inaugural Session of the meeting was attended by members of All Manipur Working Journalist Union, officials and students of Mass Communication Department, Manipur University and 50 members of Indian Journalists Union from all over India. The meeting is being organised by AMWJU in collaboration with Mass Communication Department, Manipur University.
