The Nagaland Building & Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board (NBOCWWB) launched the Media Fellowship 2023 at DIPR Conference Hall, Kohima on 13th January 2023.

Chief Executive Officer, NBOCWWB, Dr. T. Chubayanger, chairing the function, said that the first Media Fellowship was introduced in 2022, and motivated by the success of the fellowship the NBOCWWB has decided to announce the Media Fellowship 2023.

Dr. Kekhrie Yhome, Chairman of NBOCWWB said after the successful culmination of the first media fellowship which showcased the plight of construction workers, the NBOCWWB decided to award the fellowship to two parties, namely the Kohima Press Club (KPC) and DIPR. He said that DIPR will initiate the production of two documentaries on Immigrants Workers engaged in Nagaland in the building and construction sectors and Internal Migration within Nagaland amongst Nagas in the search for livelihood through the building and construction sectors. He also said that KPC will initiate fellows/awards in three categories, feature writing/ reporting, Photojournalism, and Video journalism. 

During the acceptance speech, Dzüvinuo Theünuo, Head of Department, IPR said it was a privilege to accept the Media Fellowship 2023 on behalf of the Department of IPR. With such privilege bestowed to the Department as an organization, she said that it was a challenge but also a delight to accept it and said that the department will endeavor to deliver a Production that will be worth showcasing to the public. She said Naga people do not lack talent or artistry in documentary production as a whole, except for some logistic and professional technicalities, but apart for that Nagas do not lack creativity.

            Theünuo also said that in 2022, the department engaged two reputed production houses in Nagaland to produce two short-length Public Service Announcements (PSA) and said that it was a challenge to capture what the NBOCWWB wants to convey in a short duration, but she thanked the board for coming up with a path-breaking initiative not only concerning DIPR video production but by engaging Kohima Press Club. She said that the public has been given a glimpse into the world of the unorganized sector. She further said that the daily wagers have to work daily despite the weather conditions and time and are practically earning their livelihood through their toils and sweat. Theünuo said that apart from the government duty, she took it as her personal duty to highlight the plight of the workers. She said that if there is a gap in the delivery of the welfare schemes wherein the targeted beneficiaries are not getting the benefits, the department is also duty-bound to bridge the gap.

Theünuo said that KPC, being the most powerful voice in society to influence people, should highlight stories in objective ways and influence the public and policymakers in showcasing the plight of the workers. She gave the board the full assurance to help NBOCWWB in whatever way the Department can with the teamwork of the officers and staff.

Convenor of Kohima Press Club Media Fellowship 2022, Rita Krocha thanked NBOCWWB for awarding the media fellowship to KPC and said that apart from feature writing/ reporting this year NBOCWWB has extended the fellowship to other mediums like Photo Journalism and video Journalism which will impact in imparting awareness to the public. 

The launch programme ended with the signing of the Contract Agreement with DIPR and KPC by NBOCWWB.

(I.Tiakumla Ao, IA)