A Varta Media Workshop on the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) was organised by the Imphal Regional Office, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, at SM Hall, Tamenglong Headquarters.
The programme was presided over by Dr Engam Pame, IIS, Additional Director General, PIB, RO, Imphal, and Namsurei Thomas Kamei, Assistant Professor and IQAC Coordinator, Tamenglong College. Journalists from Tamenglong and Noney districts, leaders of civil society organisations and members of the general public attended the workshop.
Ramkung Pamei, Editor of The Cham, delivered the keynote address. Dr Lungthuiyang Riamei, Principal of United Builders School, gave the closing remarks, and Ringbam Kamei, Editor of The Gaanphiu Mail, proposed the vote of thanks.
In his address, Dr Engam Pame emphasised the crucial role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy alongside the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. He stressed that a vibrant, responsible press acts as a storyteller and watchdog capable of prompting social change, warning that weak media performance can weaken governance at the district and state levels.
Namsurei Thomas Kamei presented a detailed overview of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission, highlighting progress and initiatives as the government marks 12 years of governance under the programme. The session included discussions on outreach, implementation challenges and the role of local media in promoting awareness about PMJVM schemes.
The workshop is part of PIB’s ongoing media outreach and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening engagement with journalists at the district level, provide a platform for interaction and knowledge- sharing between government officials and media professionals enabling journalist to gain a better understanding of key government policies, flagship programmes and their implementation at the grassroots level.
The workshop will also facilitate constructive dialogue on the dissemination of authenthic, accurate and fact-based information to the public.