Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal (DIPR): The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, today launched the “DIPR Manipur Fact Check” official Facebook page and organised a one-day awareness programme on its welfare schemes at the DIPR Auditorium, Imphal.
Secretary, IPR, Shri Hungyo Worshang, IAS, as Chief Guest, formally launched the page aimed at authenticating and verifying government orders, notices, circulars, and other official communications.
Highlighting the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital era, he stressed the need to verify sources of news, images, and videos, and urged media houses to actively support efforts to curb the spread of false information.
Addressing the media, Director, IPR, Dr Th Charanjeet Singh, MCS, underscored the importance of fact-checking in the age of artificial intelligence, where distinguishing real from fake information has become increasingly difficult. He said misleading information, rumours, and false news incite misunderstanding and pose a huge threat to peace and progress.
He added that the media awareness programme was organised to create awareness about DIPR schemes and ensure benefits reach deserving individuals.
Dr Charanjeet informed that nodal officers from various departments will be designated to verify department-specific documents and information before dissemination to prevent mistrust and possible unrest arising from fake content. Suggestions from stakeholders have also been invited to further strengthen the initiative, he added.
The event featured a media sensitisation session in the afternoon on media welfare schemes taken up by DIPR Manipur. Officials elaborated on DIPR schemes including the Journalist Pension Scheme, Welfare Scheme, Press Identity Cards and accreditation processes, and the Manipur State Journalist Awards Schemes.
Sessions on the “Manipur State Journalist Awards Scheme” and “Manipur Working Journalists Welfare Scheme” were conducted by Shri T Ramesh Singh, Additional Director (IPR), and Km Ph. Sheityamala Devi, Deputy Director, DIPR, respectively. Shri Ningthoujam Roshan Singh, Assistant Publicity Officer (Press), DIPR, gave presentations on the “Manipur Working Journalists Pension Scheme” and “Granting of DIPR Press Cards to Working Journalists”.
The programme concluded with an interactive session between media personnel and DIPR officials, including the Director, Additional Director, Deputy Director, and APO (Press).DIPR Rolls Out ‘Fact Check’ Facebook Page, Sensitises Media on Welfare Schemes
