Journalists, academicians, officials, et al, conglomerate for Vartalap
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 22: Governor CH Vijayashankar on Friday accentuated the importance of effective utilisation of centrally sponsored schemes.
In his inaugural address during the Vartalap on centrally sponsored schemes in Meghalaya, and a media workshop on Media Laws and Ethics and Artificial Intelligence held at Raj Bhavan, the Governor said that schemes are designed to benefit people but their success depends on how well they are implemented and how effectively citizens are informed.
He then noted that the Centre has placed particular emphasis on the Northeast, and Meghalaya is receiving due attention in agriculture, horticulture and infrastructure.
“The bridge between the Union and the State is crucial, and media has a vital role in ensuring that information about these benefits reaches the people,” he stated.
On the other hand, in her keynote address, Information and Public Relations (IPR) Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh described Vartalap as an important dialogue platform.
“This meeting of minds and exchange of ideas is a constructive space that must lead to definitive results, where information about Centrally Sponsored Schemes is properly disseminated through the media to the public,” Lyngdoh said.
According to her, Meghalaya has been performing strongly in health through NHM and PM-JAY, with over five lakh beneficiaries, as well as in agriculture through PM-Kisan.
She, however, cautioned that challenges remain and stressed that the media has a vital role in bridging gaps.
She then remarked that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool but, if misused, can be dangerous.
Meanwhile, Additional Director General, NEZ, Guwahati, Kripa Shankar Yadav, said that Vartalap has been designed to bring together discussions on centrally sponsored schemes and a workshop on Artificial Intelligence, along with deliberations on Media Law and Ethics, to enrich the media fraternity and students alike. During the programme, NEHU Registrar Prof. SK Dixit underlined the relevance of the theme of Media Laws and Ethics and AI in today’s rapidly changing media environment.
Speaking on centrally sponsored schemes in Meghalaya, IPR Commissioner and Secretary, Vijay Kumar Mantri, gave a presentation on the progress achieved in key sectors.
He said that schemes have been redesigned, new ones introduced, and it is important for the media to know about these changes. “In Meghalaya, synergy between the state government and the Government of India is vital for success. We have set 2032 as the next milestone year when Meghalaya completes 60 years of statehood, identifying ten opportunities to strengthen connectivity, water, power, internet, housing, health, nutrition and education,” Mantri said.
He elaborated on the achievements under schemes such as PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi with 74 percent coverage in the state, Ayushman Bharat, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, which has achieved remarkable progress from zero coverage seven years ago, and PM Poshan, which now covers over 7,700 schools.
“From agriculture to infrastructure, education to health, Meghalaya has moved from an ‘aspirer state’ to a ‘fast mover state’,” he added.
During the event, Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, BDR Tiwari, spoke on the role of governance in driving holistic development.
Stating that the focus has moved from production sectors to social infrastructure and employment generation, he said, “Every sector supports agriculture and food security, and flagship programmes have enabled Meghalaya to emerge as a leading state in implementing government schemes. The Centre-State partnership, along with initiatives like Make in India, Skill India, Startup India, and Digital India, is steering the nation toward self-reliance in the Amrit Kaal.”
Seng Longkmie Madanriting president, Anita Nongkhlaw, expressed appreciation for the government’s support to women and children, whilst Richard Zongte, Director IPR, North Eastern Council, gave a presentation on the recent projects being implemented by the Council.
The workshop, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Shillong, in collaboration with North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and the Planning Department, Government of Meghalaya, concluded with technical sessions on Artificial Intelligence for digital readiness by Prof. Suresh Chandra Nayak, and on Media Laws and Ethics by Advocate Melamshwa Allya.
This was followed by a panel discussion featuring leading media professionals and academicians, led by Dr. Kamaljit Chirom, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, NEHU, Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times, Oineetom Ojah, Associate Editor, North East Live and Prof. H. Srikanth, Department of Political Science, NEHU.
The deliberations focused on the ethical use of technology, the responsibility of the press and the role of media in strengthening democratic values.
Journalists, students, researchers, professors from various universities and senior officials from the state government and the North Eastern Council attended the programme.