Directorate of Information and Public Relations organised a meeting with the Press Council Of India Sub-Committee along with media persons in regard to the evolve guidelines for the Media & Security Forces on reporting in conflict situation and to organize activities particularly to North Eastern States, Naxal affected areas and Jammu & Kashmir at hotel Japfu on 22 March 2021.
Sub-Committee member, Jaishankar Gupta addressing the media said there the press face lots of problems working in conflicts zones and taking side with states or being neutral in printing articles is the problem faced by the press. He remarked that the across the state, often press are unable to perform their duty due to pressure from organization, NGOs or other elements. He added that main purpose of the interaction with the media persons was to discuss free and fair on the problems and issues faced by them while discharging their duty as journalist. He also lamented that the welfare of journalists are neglected as till date only few states have implemented welfare schemes for the journalists across the state. He also acknowledged DIPR’s initiative in providing various welfare schemes to the accredited journalist.
President, Nagaland Press Association, H Chishi a senior journalist participating in the discussion opined that today we do not know where we stand, as the media are remote controlled by certain group of people. He added that rights are being wrong and wrongs are being right. He stated that the credibility of Indian media is highly questionable by the world not because of terrorism issues of J&K but many other issues contributing in making India to rank at the bottom of Free Press. He remarked the Democracy is not fully efficient without the free press. Also while extending appreciation to DIPR for providing various welfare schemes to the journalists in Nagaland, he however said that still much more needs to be done.
Director IPR, Z. Tokishe appealed to the PCI members to strongly recommend to the government of India to implement life insurance and pension schemes for the journalists of Nagaland. He also highlighted the various welfare schemes provided by the Department for the accredited journalists of Nagaland.
Three member team of PCI Sub- committee lead by Convenor, Jaishankar Gupta, along with Kamal Nain Narang and Pradeep Kumar Jain, Member Paid are on a two-day visit in Nagaland and the team will held meetings with various stakeholders press, Governor and Chief Minster. The team also distributed questioners to journalist to find out the problems and issues faced by journalist which can be filled and sent it through their email or to the Director IPR. Other media persons also shared their opinions and suggestions and various problem faced by them while discharging their duties to PCI during the discussion.
(Esuihangle, IA)
