Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Official held video conferencing with   Secretaries of Information & Public Relations departments on COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken by all the states and Union Territories in dissemination of authentic Information to the people. The I&B officials laid emphasised on checking the fake news and spreading rumours on COVID 9. The I&B ministry also called on the states and union territories to work hand and hand with AIR, Doordarshan and PIB in their respective states. Principal Secretary IPR, Nagaland M.K. Mero who took part in the discussions said that IPR department is actively involved in dissemination of authentic information from the government to the masses on containing the pandemic Corona virus in the state. He also said there is no corona virus case in the state so far.

On behalf of the people of North East states, he also shared his concern on the report of victimising the people of the North East just because of their oriental look with the ministry officials. He said nationwide lockdown is strictly implemented in the entire state. The officials of the I&B ministry expressed their concern over Dimapur town, the commercial hub of Nagaland stating that there is a need to give extra vigil in Dimapur town.

Other points deliberated upon included:

1. 1. Synergy between central and State governments to give out correct information to the people through print, electronic and social media.
   2. Steps to be taken to counter rumors and fake news on Covid-19. Fake news check units to be formed by all the states with an objective to dispel rumors and fake news relating to Covid-19.
   3. Locate and counter misinformation in the print, electronic and social media and
   4. Official factual information on Covid-19 at ministry of I&B web portal, tweeter handle MIB and local PIB officials.

(DIPR)