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National Press Day: Role of media hailed

By STAFF CORRESPONDENT - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

SHILLONG, Nov 16 - National Press Day, 2020 was observed here in Meghalaya on the theme �Role of media during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on media�.

A function was organised by the Shillong Press Club along with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, in which Minister of Information and Public Relations James PK Sangma was the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering online from New Delhi, Sangma underscored the importance of the media in providing reliable and accurate information about COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged the contribution of the media during the pandemic to provide accurate information to the public by risking their lives.

Sangma said that an independent press is an integral element of democracy and it is a key stakeholder in every form of government by virtue of its duty to inform, communicate, educate and engage the public for the purpose of sustainable development and social unification. �That is why, we all know, it is the fourth pillar of democracy,� the Minister said.

He further termed the media as the government�s �accountability partner� to serve the people and the state for sustainable and responsible development. Sangma urged the media to adhere to the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

Later, the members of the media took part in a webinar organised by the Press Council of India, New Delhi on the theme �Role of media during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on media.�

Imphal Correspondent adds: National Press Day, 2020 was observed in Imphal on Monday under the aegis of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Manipur.

Speaking at the function, IPR Commissioner M Joy Singh stressed the importance of the day in commemoration of the establishment of the Press Council of India in 1966. He said that the day was symbolic of the freedom of speech bestowed on a journalist and its importance in shaping a society.

Acknowledging the media�s role in being a critic and trying to bring a positive change to society, Joy appealed to the journalists to understand their responsibility towards society and continue to play a constructive role in the society-building process.

IPR Director Heisnam Balkrisna highlighted the welfare measures taken up by the department, and said that the cash award for the Best Editor Award on National Integration and Communal Harmony has been increased to Rs 40,000 from Rs 25,000. Pension for journalists has also been increased to Rs 8,000 from Rs 4,000 and family pension to Rs 5,000 from Rs 2,000.

The Manipur State Journalists Award was also conferred to mediapersons in eight categories for editorials, news items and articles published during the year 2019. The recipients were Ningombam Hemantakumar, editor of Sanaleibak (Best Editor Award), Khagembam Shanker Singh, senior reporter of Sanaleibak (Science & Technology reporting), Kshetri Meghajit, sub-editor of Naharolgi Thoudang (Parliamentary reporting), Ngangom Suraj Kumar Singh, staff reporter of Sanaleibak (Reporting with special reference to women and children), Maibam Kenedy Singh, staff reporter of Sanaleibak (Reporting on art and culture), Sapam Aruna Devi, staff reporter of Sangai Express (Rural reporting), Khagembam Rabikumar Meitei, staff reporter of Sanaleibak (Sports reporting) and Angom Ranjit Singh, chief reporter of Poknapham (Reporting on public health and hygiene).

A workshop on �Role of media during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on media� was also held, wherein Salam Chingkehinganba, sub-editor of The People�s Chronicle and member of the All Manipur Working Journalists� Union; Yumnam Rupachandra, chief editor of Impact TV, and Ramkung Pamei, editor of The Cham and president of the Manipur Hill Journalists� Union, presented papers.

IPR Commissioner Joy Singh also administered a pledge to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour.