Media plays a crucial role in widening information reach

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 14

The Press Information Bureau organised another workshop (Vartalap) — Improving information dissemination in Nagaland – for media persons in Chümoukedima on March 14. It was part of an ongoing initiative of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ramp up awareness on policies and programmes of the government, especially Central Sector Schemes being implemented in Nagaland. 

EAC, Chümoukedima, Seyie Solo, was invited as a special guest. As per a DIPR release, Solo emphasised importance of disseminating information in a country like India, where the state governments implement various projects of the Union government. In this, he said that the media plays a big role, disseminating the right information to the targeted beneficiaries, especially at the grassroots level. He also drew attention to ethical journalism and the accountability of journalists, especially when it comes to distinguishing between facts and opinions. 

Earlier, at a similar workshop in Dimapur, on March 4, officials from the Health and Family Welfare, Information and Public Relations and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority were invited as resource persons. 

This time, it was the turn of officials from the Rural Development and Tribal Affairs departments. 

Yimok Phom, Assistant District Program Manager, Rural Development, Dimapur, gave details on the various Centrally-sponsored schemes and how it is being implemented by the department, like the MGNREGA, NRLSM, PMAY (G), RGSA and 15th Finance Commission. 

Imsumeren, Project Officer, Tribal Affairs, Nagaland, said that the department was created on August 2019, when it was bifurcated from the Planning department, with an objective to oversee and ensure effective implementation of various Tribal Welfare Schemes undertaken by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

While stating that there are 39 ongoing projects at present, under the provision to Article 275(1), he informed that proposal has been sent to the Ministry to develop ‘model villages’ under the Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Schemes. 

With regard to Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), targeting the Scheduled Tribe community, he said that there are three such schools in operation with 19 others sanctioned for starting across the state. 

Grants to NGOs, working in the area of ST welfare, was another. But he said that scheme has not yet been implemented and currently under consideration for execution from the next financial year. 

Livelihood programmes targeting Minor Forest Products is also under active consideration for implementation in the state, he added.