‘Directorate building construction targeted for March 2015 completion’
IMPHAL, November 1: The government is aiming to complete the ongoing construction of the Directorate of Information and Public Relation building in Keishampat by March, 2015, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said today.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the 65th Foundation Day observation of the directorate held today at its temporary office at the MSRTC complex.
The DIPR was established as the Publicity Department on November 1, 1949.
Elaborating on the importance of the directorate, the Chief Minister apologised on his government’s inability to complete the construction of the office building in time although he had himself laid down the foundation some years ago.
Now the government is serious about the early completion of the construction and has already sanctioned Rs 2 crores for the construction, he continued.
Ibobi said the department plays an important role in a democratic set-up, bridging the gap between the people and the government by disseminating important information of the government to the public.
He said considering the significance of the directorate, the State cabinet has already approved to upgrade the DIPR to a major department and provide all necessary and required equipments, vehicles and manpower.
A deputy director of the department will also be soon appointed, he said.
Principal secretary, IPR, Letkhogin Haokip lauded the Chief Minister for his assurance to fulfil the requirements of the department and appealed to the staff of the department to be sincere in their duties.
Meanwhile, three staff RK Sanayaima Devi, retd UDC, W Nimai Singh, Radio mechanic and M Tejmani Singh accountant were felicitated with appreciation certificates in recognition of their services.
Other retired staff were also presented with simple gifts during the occasion.
Parliamentary secretary IPR, K Meghachandra Singh and director IPR, W Rajen Singh also attended the observation as guests of honour.
THOUBAL: The District Information Officer, Thoubal also observed the “Information and Public Relations Day” at the DIO office, Thoubal.
The observation was attended by deputy superintendent of Excise, Thoubal Sheikh Naseer Ahmad as chief guest, DIO, Thoubal Ch Noyon as president and monthly publication ‘Pashang-pushang’ editor Hawaibam Devendro as guest of honour.
As part of the observation, reporters and district correspondents of print and electronic media were felicitated with simple gifts.
Those felicitated include Elangbam Rameshore of Naharolgi Thoudang, Sanjay Wangjamcha of Poknapham, Ak Rajesh of DDK Imphal, Nongmeikapam Gautam (stringer) of DDK Imphal, Kakching Kohli Khoibam of ISTV, Imphal and Jaichandra of Image TV, Kakching.
Meanwhile, according to a DIPR statement, the day was also observed at the Chandel Mini Secretariate.
The observation was attended by assistant commissioner Linkham Khumlou as chief guest and district information officer Ch Ningthemjao Singh as president.
Speaking at the observation, the chief guest said it is necessary to observe the Information and Public Relation Day and should be vastly observed in all districts of the State.
Bishnupur Correspondent Adds: The Bishnupur district information office observed Information and Public Relations Day at its premises today. Bishnupur Municipal Council chairman L Lolindro and District Social Welfare officer A Kameshwar graced the function as chief guest and president respectively.
Lolindro said that if the media persons neither collect information nor publish or broadcast news then the pulic would not know what is happening around the world.
He said the observation today was significant as it honours their contribution to society.
Speaking as the president, Kamleshwar said the role of the media in development is immense. Citing an example, he said if people are informed prior to a natural disaster or an epidemic, various precautionary measures can be taken. Hence, media is extremely beneficial to the public, he added.
He also asked for making the observations grander in the future by cooperating with other offices and not simply being confined to DIO. District correspondents, stringers and locals took part in the observation. A new media body called Bishnupur District Journalists Union was also formed during the occasion. ISTV correspondent M Jagnashwor, Imphal Free Press correspondent Dr H Romen and Poknapham correspondent LC Gopen were elected as the president, secretary and treasurer with DIO Th Ranjit as the chairman.