GUWAHATI, March 16 - An awareness programme titled �Social media in the light of Model Code of Conduct� was organised on the sidelines of a photo exhibition on 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi in the Assam Khadi and Village Industries Board premises on Friday. The programme was presided over by Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia, Director General, Northeast Zone, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Pankaj Chakravarty, Joint CEO, Assam.
Dr Ahmed Muyeen Farooqi, Regional Head, Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati apprised everyone about cVigil app and social media monitoring by the Office of Chief Electoral Officer, Assam and DEOs. He also informed all about the potential use and misuse of social media and described the role of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in SVEEP activities. The programme was attended by college students, teachers and locals.
Dhatwalia, in his welcome address said, �During election time, a lot of information is circulated through social media. It is very important for us to verify the facts and not to spread misinformation about election or any political party. These are changing times, where social media is used by everyone. We should ensure that we contribute to the festival of democracy in a positive way by being aware and making others aware as well.�
Throwing light on the role of Media Certification & Monitoring Committee (MCMC), Pankaj Chakrabarty, Joint Chief Election Officer Assam, said, �The election process should be fair and unbiased. Hence, the MCMC plays a crucial part in this. Any group or individual who can popularise or boost a particular post online, MCMC makes sure to keep tabs on these posts and groups. There are also apps like cVigil where if someone sees any doubtful activity online, they can lodge a complaint on this app.� The MCMC also tracks paid news and uncertified advertisements in addition to confiscation of political ads, he further added.
Information and broadcasting representative in the State-level MCMC committee Pallabh Chakraborty interacted with the participants on the role of CEO in paid news and related matters.
A quiz competition was also organised on elections to create awareness and prizes were distributed. Various live art programmes by staff artistes and troupes of the Regional Outreach Bureau were also organised.
The exhibition will conclude on Sunday and is entry-free for all.
