Asem Bhakta Singh
Northeast Correspondence
Imphal: Government information should reach the people quickly, correctly, and in Manipuri. That was the clear message from Oinam Sunil Singh, Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister, at the 78th Information and Public Relations Day observance in Imphal today.
Speaking as Chief Guest at the DIPR Auditorium, Nityaipat Chuthek, Sunil said the Directorate of Information and Public Relations needs to become faster and more effective. News from the government, he said, must reach media houses without delay so that it gets wider coverage.
He made a strong pitch for bringing back regular Manipuri news bulletins along with English. Meiteilon, he noted, is the language that connects all 36 communities of Manipur, and promoting it through official communication should be a priority for DIPR.
With digital media growing fast, Sunil also suggested that the state should work on a digital media policy and a registration system for digital media organisations under DIPR, so that the sector gets due recognition and proper regulation.
Secretary (IPR) Neeta Arambam said DIPR cannot limit itself to sending out press releases. Its real job, she said, is to act as a two-way bridge between the government and the public, carrying authentic information to the people and public concerns back to the government.
In an age of fast-spreading misinformation, she said, truthful and responsible communication has become more important than ever. The department’s newly launched website, she added, will help in this effort.
Additional Director (IPR) W. Phajatombi Devi recalled the journey of the Directorate, from its establishment in 1949, to becoming a full Directorate in 1974, and reaching the district headquarters in 1975. Despite staff shortage, she said, DIPR has continued to cover major state functions.
Retired officials and best-performing employees were felicitated during the programme, which was attended by DIPR officials, staff, pensioners and media representatives. The vote of thanks was proposed by Additional Director (P&D) T. Ramesh Singh.
