Govt open to constructive and positive criticism : CM

Imphal, Sep 16 (DIPR)
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has stated that the present Government welcomes constructive and positive criticism by the media for development of the State. He was speaking at the 46th foundation day celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) held today at Manipur Press Club.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, Chief Minister Biren stated that media is the fourth estate of democracy. Lauding the efforts of 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, he stated that the Government is extending Chief Minister’s Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) to all the working journalists of the State.
On the construction of the Press Colony at Lamphelpat area, the Chief Minister stated that he would look into the controversy over allotment of land for 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, the CM acknowledged the need to increase number of media cards issued to working journalists considering the increased number of journalists and directed DIPR officials to look into the matter.
Taking serious note of the alarming drug menace and alcoholism among the youths in the State, he urged the media fraternity to support the Government’s initiative on ‘war against drugs’.
Biren also appealed AMWJU, media houses and others to organise seminar, awareness campaign etc to discuss the pros and cons of lifting liquor prohibition in the State.
While delivering his presidential address, AMWJU president Kakchingtabam Bijoy maintained that working journalist unite 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.
Later, the Chief Minister distributed prizes to the winners and runners-up of the 9th annual sports meet of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union held during Yaoshang 2019. The Chief Minister also honoured the founding members of AMWJU during the function.
President of Manipur Hills Journalists’ Union Ramkung Pamei and President of Editor’s Guild Manipur Khogendra Khomdram were the guests of honour of the function.
State Information Commissioner, Oinam Sunil, Secretary to CM Ningthoujam Geoffrey, executive members of AMWJU and others attended the program.