Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 06:
Information Minister W Leima and Works Minister Gaikhangam while assuring all possible helps from the side of the Government have appealed to the journalist fraternity for joint effort towards development of mass media in the State.
Speaking at the 28th foundation day of the Manipur Press Club here today, both the Ministers admitted the important role being played by the media in a democratic country and proposed for taking up any work that would be helpful to the society.
Manipur Press Club was established in 1975, three years after the formation of All Manipur Working Journalist Union.
Addressing the gathering, Works Minister who attended function as chief guest lauded the role of the media in disseminating information to the public about the various development and welfare programmes being taken up by the Government.
The media also worked as barometer to gauge the opinion of the public on the functioning of the Government, he added.
Assuring for better infrastructural facilities at the Press Club, Gaikhangam informed that an amount of Rs 12 lakhs has already been earmarked in the Budget for completing the construction work of the ground floor building of the Club.
If the SPF remained in power, it would be taking up other works for the development of the Press Club, he said, promising to make arrangement for allowing pressmen for accommodation at the various IBs when they go for press tours.
He also donated Rs 10000 today for buying the required PC system of the Club.
Information Minister W Leima, who was the guest of honour of the function while dwelling upon the complaint over the existing fee structure of Government advertisement, informed that the process of reviewing the fee structure is already in process.
She also contributed a sum of Rs 5,000 from her salary to the Club.
In his presidential address, president of All Manipur Working Journalist Union W Samjai emphasized upon the present status of press media in the State and the steps that could be initiated for its improvement both by the journalist themselves as well as by the Government.
The Statesman correspondent Yumnam Rupachandra gave the key welcome note while secretary of Manipur Press Club Oinam Sunil presented a detailed report on the activities of the Club since its inception.