Coordination Between Government and Media Key to Effective Governance: IPR Director

Imphal: Coordination between the government and the media is essential for effective governance, said Dr. Th. Charanjeet Singh, Director, Information and Public Relations (IPR), Government of Manipur, on Wednesday.

Speaking at the one-day media workshop ‘Vartalap’ on the theme “12 Years of Governance”, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Regional Office, Imphal, at Hotel Imolesh, Old Lambulane, Imphal, Dr. Charanjeet Singh said the media plays a crucial role in disseminating government policies and programmes to the public.

He stressed that such programmes are important for enhancing coordination among different government wings. Highlighting the role of democracy, he said the people are supreme in a democratic system and elected representatives govern on their behalf.

“The media serves as an important pillar of democracy, and effective coordination between the government and the media is important,” he said. He added that policies and programmes need to reach the public so citizens can understand and avail themselves of various schemes, and the media remains the primary medium for this.

Dr. Charanjeet Singh expressed confidence that the workshop would strengthen government-media relations. He urged journalists to continuously update their knowledge and actively engage in the technical sessions to disseminate accurate information. The workshop, he said, was designed to provide media professionals with insights on the National Education Policy (NEP) and economic reforms.

Dr. Engam Pame, IIS, Director, PIB Regional Office, Imphal, said India needs a renewed mindset and collective effort from all sections of society to meet future challenges and contribute to nation-building. He noted that in the last 12 years, several welfare schemes have been implemented to improve access to drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion. He also cited reforms in the education sector, including the NEP, aimed at making education more accessible, affordable, and accountable.

Pushpa Maibam, M&CO, PIB Imphal, in her welcome and keynote address, highlighted the media’s role as a bridge between the government and the public. She outlined key schemes and policies of the last 12 years and urged media houses to provide extensive coverage of the NEP to help students, parents, and the community understand its benefits.

Khogendra Khomdram, President, Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM), praised the initiative and said the media, being “by the people and for the people,” has a crucial role in spreading information on government schemes, education, taxation, and public welfare. He called for responsible journalism and said EGM was willing to cooperate in organising similar programmes in the future.

Technical sessions followed on “Economic Reforms (GST)” by A. Dhaneshor Singh, Superintendent, CGST Imphal Commissionerate, and “Educational Reforms under the National Education Policy 2020” by Prof. Angom Dilipkumar Singh, Professor, Department of Physics, Manipur University. The workshop concluded with a round-off session conducted by Moirangthem Rustum Singh, Assistant Director, Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Field Office, Chandel.

The event was attended by Barun Ray, IRS, Assistant Commissioner, CGST Imphal; Asem Bhakta Singh, President, All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU); media representatives from print, electronic, and digital outlets; and officials and staff of PIB Imphal.