GUWAHATI, Nov 16 � As in yester years, National Press Day was observed in several parts of the State today. Reports from our correspondents are still pouring in.
In Jonai: The Jonai Sub-Divisional Information and Public Relation Department here in association with the Press fraternity observed National Press Day in its office premises.
Addressing the local mediapersons, Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Manuranjan Payeng shed light on the Right to Public Service (ARTPS) Act for maintenance of transparency in public affairs.
The EAC, who looks after the Sub-Divisional I & PR Office here, informed that the services available under the Act are being facilitated in some select districts of the State under a pilot project.
Payeng further elaborated on the advantages of e-governance and said that the modern electronic concept will help the common people to know about funding and implementation of various development schem-es. He called upon the local mediapersons to cooperate with the administrative machinery in a positive manner.
The difficulties faced by the local newsmen were thoroughly discussed on the occasion, wherein they pleaded the administration to take adequate measures to ease their grievances.
Reportedly, many eligible newsmen are being barred from availing their formal recognition card under the Assam Press Correspondent Accreditation/Recognition Act. The Press fraternity urged the local administration to conduct frequent interactive sessions with them in order to know about their problems.
In Sonari: The 48th National Press Day was observed today by the Charaideo Sub-Divisional administration in collaboration with Sonari Press Club, Charaideo Press Guild and Sivasagar district unit of APCU.
A meeting held at the Civil SDO�s conference hall was inaugurated by NN Nath. He emphasised on the importance of the day. Addressing the meeting as chief guest, senior journalist Mahesh Goduka focused upon �Role of Media in Public Works� which was the theme of the day this year.
He urged the journalists to abide by media ethics while reporting. Retired teacher Dimbeswar Gogoi, Narayan Dey and Swapan Kar also addressed the meeting.
In Barpeta: National Press Day was observed by the District Information and Public Relations Office in association with the Barpeta Press Club and Barpeta district unit of Journalists� Union of Assam.
A seminar on �Role of Press in the Transperancy of Public Works� held at the Barpeta Press Club was chaired by senior journalist and president of the Journalists� Union of Assam, Barpeta district committee, Sunil Kumar Das.
Inaugurating the seminar, Barpeta DC Dr Siddhartha Singh said that as the fourth estate of democracy has to play a pivotal role in proper management of the administration. Stating that the Press in India is more or less free when compared to many other parts of the world, Singh urged the pressmen to utilise their freedom in a prudent and judicial manner so as to guide the society and the administration as well.
Speaking as a distinguished guest, former journalist and member of the Assam Legislative Assembly from Sarbhog constituency, Ranjit Kumar Das lauded the role of the Press in guiding the legislature and the executive. He maintained that though the journalists have done a lot in unearthing a number of corruption cases, still there is a lot to do and they should not be complacent in performing their duties.
Akshyay Kumar Mishra, Editor in Chief of Ajir Prabah and former president of Barpeta District Sahitya Sabha said that the sanctity of the Press must be maintained at any cost. A number of journalists and leading citizens were present on the occasion.
In Nagaon: The Nagaon Press Club in association with the district administration observed National Press Day at the Press Club premises here today.
A function was held on the occasion which was chaired by Press Club president Palash Ranjan Das. At the outset, secretary Tapan Kumar Bora explained the significance of the day. Attending the function as honoured guest, Nagaon SP Arabinda Kalita thanked the Nagaon mediapersons for extending their cooperation. He observed that the administration has limitations, but were rendering their service to the people. He appealed to the journalists to highlight positive works in society in order to encourage the concerned individuals, organisations or departments.
Nagaon DIPRO Pranab Kumar Das while greeting the mediapersons, assured all possible help in the discharge of their official duties. Senior journalist Kanak Hazarika highlighted the problems faced by the journalists of the State. He demanded a minimum honorarium of Rs 15,000 for the journalists serving from the district headquarter.
In Diphu: National Press Day was centrally observed at Diphu, headquarter town of Karbi Anglong district by members of Diphu Press Club in association with the District Information and Public Relationsepartment at the club premise today. Several eminent personalities were present on the occasion;
Dr Mansing Rongpi, MLA of Baithalangso kept the audience spellbound with his indepth discourse on press- related issues, while Dr Sibasish Biswas, professor of English at the Assam University�s Diphu campus spoke on the chronological backdrop on the subject of transparency and plodding rate of advancement in communication structure.
�It is an undeniable fact that modernisation of communication technology has transformed the media to mass media,� Dr Biswas said. He stressed on the necessity of focusing on affirmative trait rather than creating anecdote by stressing on off-putting aspects.
Nanda Sing, Additional Superintendent of Police of Karbi Anglong who has a distinguished journalism background, stressed on the need of elevating the principled standards in reporting during the course of his speech.
Diphu Press Club felicitated Rajendra Kumar Jain for his unique contribution to the society by advocating for cleanliness. Popularly known as Raju Bhai, he has been single-handedly cleaning a large portion of the town regularly since the last 10 years. He also pleads to his friends and associates to keep their surroundings dirt-free.
Well known journalist Nogen Bora, who turned 78, was also felicitated for his relentless service since the last 50 years in the field of journalism. Working journalists and management representatives of several local newspapers were present at the function.
In Haflong: National Press Day was observed by the District Information and Public Relations Officer of Dima Hasao in a befitting manner at Haflong with daylong programme.
The programme started with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Executive Member of NC Hills Autonomous Council, Debojeet Thaosen, which was followed by a meeting where he attended as the chief guest while Kulendra Daolagupu, Executive Member in charge of Education, Barun Bhuyan, Deputy Commissioner, and Rames Thaosen attended as guests of honour while Samuel Changsan, Executive Member, i/c I&PR attended as the chief host.
All the local mediapersons were felicitated with gamosa and gifts.
Anup Biswas, senior journalist of the district while speaking on the occasion said it would not be wise to hold the media responsible for each and every evil in the society though there has been degradation in maintaining media ethic by some sections of the media. He appealed to the mediapersons of the district to be cautious and not to cross their limits in regard to media ethics and responsibilities.
Surjya Thaosen, senior journalist said that the mediapersons in the district had been rendering their duties by overcoming almost insurmountable adversities at times, but were rarely appreciated, rather they were ignored. To enhance the standard of the media in Dima Hasao, all the concerned people should encourage the local media, he opined.
Lalkam Hengna, Editor of Haflong News spoke about the ethics and responsibilities of the journalists and appealed to the authority concerned to encourage the local media.
Kulendra Daolagupu stressed on the importance of the local media, both print and electronic, while appreciating the local mediapersons for serving society despite occasional obstacles.
Debojeet Thaosen in his speech appealed to the media to be unbiased and to maintain accuracy and authenticity of the news.
Samuel Changsan and the chief guest offered his heartfelt thanks to all the participants, including the departmental heads and assured to hold more such discussion in the near future to bridge the gap between the administration and the masses through the Press.
Earlier, DIPRO Purabi Phonglo welcomed all present and explained the aims and objectives of observing National Press Day.
