By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, a former media educator herself made a candid remark that investigative journalism is still at a low key in the State.
“I personally feel there should be more effort from local journalists here to get into investigative journalism and unearth lapses from public representatives and institutions. However, I am fully aware that journalists are busy with their day to day affairs and it is difficult for them to spare time for investigative stories,” Lyngdoh said while inaugurating the debate during the National Press Day on the topic “Media is an instrument for public accountability” here on Tuesday.
While acknowledging the constraints faced by journalists, she still feels that more effort is warranted towards making journalism a meaningful instrument of public accountability.
Dwelling at length on what media ought to be focusing on Ampareen felt that women’s issues are given a go by except when there is scope for sensationalising the story. She called for more intensive and extensive rural reporting where health issues need to be highlighted since there are still several drawbacks on this front.
The Urban Affairs minister also pointed out that infant and maternal mortality rates in the State are quite high and these ought to be brought to the fore so that they get the Government’s attention.
While lauding the media in the State for bringing forward many issues of concern, Ampareen says that often the media has the propensity to persecute politicians without looking at the other actors involved in governance.
Three colleges offering media programmes namely Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), St Anthony’s College and Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL) participated in the event.
The Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim was the moderator of the debate while Independent legislator Manas Chaudhuri, KHNAM legislator Paul Lyngdoh and Director, Information and Public Relations, Govt. of Meghalaya, Dr Shakil Ahammad were the judges for the debate.
Priyanku Sharma of St Anthony’s College was adjudged the best debator while Sonam Sultan and Jayalakshmi both from the English and Foreign Language University (EFLU) walked away with the second and third prizes respectively.