Manipur IPR Minister Sapam Ranjan Singh on Friday encouraged the media fraternity to uphold the highest standards of authenticity in reporting and also advocated for greater coverage of global issues, particularly global warming, to foster environmental awareness.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the 76th Information and Public Relations (IPR) Day observed with a solemn function at the Auditorium of the Directorate at Nityaipak Chuthek, Imphal.
He said that the role and responsibility of the directorate is highly important. Although it is not a major department, it is one of the most important departments as it disseminates information related with programmes taken up by the government for the welfare of the people of the state, he added.
Stating that human error is universal, he elaborated on the importance of marginalising the errors to its minimum before dissemination of news. He said that the wrong interpretation of news will give a wrong message to the public and one should try to avoid such situations while reporting.
Minister Ranjan further said that coordination between IPR and other media fraternities is necessary to deliver a significant service to the public. He said that IPR alone cannot publicise the public about various policies and programmes taken up by the government without the cooperation of other stakeholders.
Highlighting the directorate’s recent initiatives, he shared updates on several welfare measures introduced for journalists within the dtate. He invited suggestions from media members to improve the directorate’s efforts and encouraged directorate employees to maintain dedication and integrity in their work.
Commissioner, IPR M Joy Singh said that the directorate has made significant improvement as time progresses, and was only possible because of the cooperation of the media fraternities.
He also highlighted various schemes taken up by the directorate for the welfare of Journalists of the State. He further added that organising such functions provide a platform for interacting with the former employees of the directorate as well as media fraternities.
Director IPR Th Charanjeet Singh, in his keynote address, said that since its existence, formerly as Publicity Office, IPR has been disseminating information which are helpful in bringing peace and harmony in the state.
He said that the Directorate is playing a key role in connecting the public with the government by giving information from time to time. He stated that in this current scenario of the state, the role of IPR as well as media in general is of utmost importance so as to enable all to maintain a cohesive relationship. He further asked the media fraternities for cooperation in circulating news to the public from time to time.
A booklet was also released in connection with the observation. Three officials of the Directorate were also feted for their distinguished service. Tribute to the first publicity officer, RK Maipaksana of the directorate was paid by felicitating the family member with a citation and a shawl.
Many retired officials of the directorate were present in the observation function and they were felicitated with a simple token of love and appreciation. Invitees from media fraternities, officers and officials of the directorate as well as from the district offices attended the function.
