Newma News Network
Imphal |September 16
Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh today said that his government welcomed constructive and positive criticism by the media for the development of the State.
He said this while speaking at the 46th Foundation Day celebration of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) held at Manipur Press Club in Imphal on Monday.
Lauding the efforts of the media persons in the State, he maintained that various unwanted incidents didn't take place in the State because of the sensible and responsible journalists. He further stated that media houses need to verify their sources before publishing their stories. Mentioning that the government would extend all possible help for the welfare of the working journalists, Biren stated that the government is extending Chief Minister's Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) to all the working journalists of the State.
Mentioning about the construction of the Press Colony at Lamphelpat area, the Chief Minister stated that he would look into the controversy over the allotment of the land for the construction of Press Colony. He assured that he would look seriously to increase the pension money under the existing Manipur State Journalists Pension Scheme.
Regarding the proposal to increase the number of press identity cards issued by DIPR to journalists, Biren acknowledged the need to increase number of media cards issued to working journalists considering the increase number of journalists and directed DIPR officials to look into the matter.
Stating the alarming drug menace and alcoholism among the youths in the State, he urged the media fraternity to support the present government's initiative on 'war against drugs'. Regarding the lifting of liquor prohibition in Manipur, the Chief Minister appealed the AMWJU, media houses and others to organise seminars, awareness campaigns etc. to discuss the pros and cons of lifting of liquor prohibition in the State.
While delivering his presidential address, Kakchingtabam Bijoy, president of AMWJU maintained that working journalist should be united and work together to fight against external pressure. He narrated various problems faced by the journalists while executing their task in the State. He urged the Chief Minister to increase the pension amount given to the retired working journalists of the State.
The CM distributed prizes to the winner and runner-up of the 9th Annual Sports Meet of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union held during Yaoshang 2019. Chief Minister honoured the founding members of AMWJU during the function.
President of Manipur Hills Journalists' Union, Ramkung Pamei, president of Editor's Guild, Khogendra Khomdram were the guests of honour of the function.
