Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday announced that eight senior journalists from the state will each receive Rs 1 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Office. This announcement was made during the first Media Meet organized in Shillong by the Director of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
Ss many as eight senior journalists on Friday were felicitated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Minister Incharge of IPR Dr Ampareen Lyngdoh at the Media meet held at hotel vivanta, Shillong. A shawl and a memento was given to the senior journalists.
In his address, Chief Minister Sangma acknowledged that the government has not done enough to recognize the contributions of journalists. He assured that he would look into the seven-point demand submitted by the Shillong Press Club, which includes provisions for pension and housing for journalists.
“I would like to give a small contribution from the Chief Minister’s office. Every senior journalist who was felicitated today will receive around Rs 1 lakh from my Chief Minister’s special grant,” Sangma announced.
Beyond the financial contribution, Sangma highlighted the importance of continuous improvement in the field of journalism, particularly with the rapid pace of technological change. “Many people believe journalism is easy, but there’s so much training involved. I will be happy to see, push, promote, and support different exposures and trainings for our media persons,” he said.
Sangma emphasized the need for journalists to engage with their counterparts from other parts of the country and the world.
He noted, “Technology is changing fast, and so is the way we consume information. It’s crucial to have continuous training and exposure to stay updated with the changing dynamics of journalism.”
He also pointed out that the lines between news, opinion, and information are increasingly blurred due to technological advancements. “Today, the boundaries between information, opinion, and news are disappearing. It’s important to train journalists to recognize and maintain these distinctions,” he urged.
Minister in charge of IPR, Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh, also addressed the gathering, focusing on the ethical responsibilities of journalists. She spoke about the rise of fake news and the challenges posed by social media platforms in today’s media landscape.