Chief Minister along with the 8 journalists awarded on the National Press Day. (NNN Photo)
Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 16
The government of Manipur awarded eight journalists on the National Press Day, November 16 at at the 1st Manipur Rifles Banquet, Imphal.
The Manipur State Journalists Award was conferred to media persons of the State in eight different categories. The awards for the calendar year 2017 in eight categories: Best Editor on National Integration & Communal Harmony to Aribam Robindro Sharma (Poknapham); Reporting on Public Health & Hygiene to Bijoy Laishram, senior reporter of Hueiyen Lanpao; Reporting on Women & Children to Ashem Babycha, Reporter (Hueiyen Lanpao); Reporting on Art & Culture to Naorem Gyanand (Special Correspondent, Hueiyen Lanpao); Science & Technology Reporting to Kshetri Meghajit (sub editor, Naharolgi Thoudang); Parliamentary Reporting to Puyam Romeshwar Singh (sub editor, Hueiyen Lanpao); Rural Reporting to Sagolsem Bigyan (staff reporter, The People’s Chronicle); and Sports Reporting to Ratneshowri Goswami (senior sports journalist, Hueiyen Lanpao).
The event was organized by the Department of Information & Public Relations, Government of Manipur. A workshop on ‘Journalism Ethics and Challenges in Digital Era’ was also held as part of the observance.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that he will discuss in the next Cabinet Meet the inclusion media persons who are not covered under ‘Ayushman Bharat’ to incorporate them in the ‘Chief Minister Hakshel gi Tengbang’ (CMHT) (benefit cover of Rs 2 lakh). Those registered under Socio Economic Caste Census are eligible to avail benefits under the national health protection scheme ‘Ayushman Bharat’ (benefit cover of Rs 5 lakhs).
The CM, a recipient of the Best Journalist Award in National Integration and Communal Harmony, said media persons must be supported and encouraged as the profession is risky, dangerous and full of uncertainty. We need to treat each other with respect and dignity for constructive human development. The Chief Minister taking opportunity of the National Press Day said that we must work united for a progressive society.
He said that National Press Day is observed on November 16 as a symbol of a free and responsible press in India. The power of media is known by all and the award conferred on the day reinforces the importance of the duty of the fourth Estate in a democratic Government.
The Chief Minister appealed to the media fraternity to continue playing the positive role in building national integrity, communal harmony. Expressing concern over the danger of writing news reports based on photographs without verifying facts, he said that it is a worrisome situation as it demoralize a persons’ dignity and is harmful to the society.
The Guest of honour, Karam Shyam, Minister of CAF & PD and Revenue, Manipur while acknowledging acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by media persons in their profession, he appealed the media fraternity to be neutral, un-bias and fair while reporting news. They should reach out to the people with responsibility and sincerity, he also said.
