Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 16
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh said that the "state government would always uphold Freedom of Expression and would never curtail Press Freedom". He added, "However, one should also ensure that Freedom of Expression does not violate morality and decency."
Biren Singh was speaking at the National Press Day at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) complex, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal.
Presentation of State Journalist Awards, 2021 in eight different categories and holding of workshop on the topic, ‘Who is not afraid of Media?’ were the main highlights of the event organised by DIPR, Manipur.
Being a leader from the media background, the Chief Minister said that he fully understands the problems faced by the media persons of the State. Stating that he has a deep honour for media persons, N Biren Singh said that various steps had been taken up by the present Government for the welfare of the media fraternity of the State. The Manipur State Journalists Welfare Scheme had been introduced to provide one-time financial assistance to the accredited and recognized journalists of the State and their families. A total of Rs 25 lakh had been utilized from the interest incurred from Corpus Fund of Rs 10 crore till date, he added.
Pension amount for retired journalists had been hiked from Rs 5000 to Rs 8000 and from Rs 2000 to Rs 4000 for family pensioners, besides approving one-time age relaxation for enrolment for applicants from the age group of 45 to 65 years, he added. The Chief Minister also said that coverage of CMHT had been extended to the families of the recognized media persons as well.
In addition to these schemes, the Chief Minister said that the media fraternity may also suggest to the Government how it can help them in other matters. He also asked them to have healthy competition among them. The Chief Minister further urged the media fraternity to have proper verification of news before it is published or broadcast. He also requested them to collect detailed facts and figures from the concerned Government Departments.
Apart from the media fraternity, N Biren Singh said, the Government had also introduced many welfare schemes for the people of other professions as well like artistes, sportspersons, entrepreneurs, etc. as well. He stated that all-round progress can be achieved only when the Government attends to the grievances of each and every individual.
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