Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: In a proud moment for the state, senior journalist Shri Bijoy Kakchingtabam has been nominated as a member of the Press Council of India (PCI) by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
As per the official Notification No. S.O. 5494(E) issued by the Ministry on 7th October 2026 in New Delhi, Bijoy Kakchingtabam, resident of Keishampat Thiyam Leirak Machin, Imphal West, has been nominated under the category of “Working Journalists Other than Editors” [nominated under clause (a) of sub-section (3) of section 5 of the Press Council Act, 1978].
The notification makes amendments to the principal notification S.O. 5509(E) dated 19th December 2024.
First Working Journalist from Manipur.
With this nomination, Bijoy Kakchingtabam becomes the first working journalist from Manipur State to be nominated to the apex press body of the country.
In the history of Manipur’s representation in the Press Council, Shri Dr. Khaidem Athouba Meitei was the first Manipuri to become a member of the PCI. Bijoy Kakchingtabam is now the second Manipuri overall, but the first from the Manipur State working journalists’ category.
It may be mentioned that this was his second attempt. Out of 13 applicants for the category of Working Journalist – Other than Editor, 7 were selected, while 6 were selected under the Working Journalist – Editor category.
A Strong Voice for a Conflict State.
The nomination holds special significance for Manipur, which has been going through a prolonged conflict and a challenging media environment.
For a conflict-ridden state like Manipur, where press freedom, safety of journalists, and access to information have been major concerns, the presence of a representative from the state in the Press Council of India is crucial.
The local media fraternity has welcomed the decision, stating that Manipur needs a strong representative who can put the issues of the state’s journalists and the ground reality before the national body.
Bijoy Kakchingtabam is a well-known face in Manipur’s journalism fraternity and has been associated with the profession for many years.
Felicitation at Manipur Press Club.
Today, a felicitation programme for Bijoy Kakchingtabam was held at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal. The programme was attended by Asem Bhakta Singh, President AMWJU, Dr. Th. Charanjeet Singh, Director IPR, Tongbram Ramesh, Additional Director IPR, L. Ashok Kumar, Joint Director IPR, Khogendra Khomdram, President EGM, Khwirakpam Naoba, General Secretary AMWJU, and Executive Members of the Union, along with AMWJU Advisor Aribam Balkrishna Sharma, Retd. Joint Director IPR and members of the print and electronic media.
The press fraternity of Manipur congratulated him on his nomination.
