Imphal, June 9 (EMN): Chief Minister N Biren Singh speaking at a reception function by All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) here has assured that all possible assistance will be given to the media fraternity in any endeavour and look into their grievances.
Biren said the state government had approved the health insurance scheme for the journalists of the State. Stating that the said scheme would be borne by the state government, Biren expressed hope that the scheme would be helpful in meeting medical expenses when media persons suffer injury in the line of duty.
Regarding hiking of journalists’ pension and exemption of premium for the land allotted for setting up of press housing colony, the Chief Minister assured the media fraternity to put the matters before the state cabinet at the earliest.
Observing that nobody should compromise professional ethics with anything, Chief Minister stated the state government would never mind when the media brings any irregularity of the government activities to light.
He also urged the media fraternity to join hand with the government in serving the people of the state. Maintaining that the new state government has a commitment to deliver transparency to the people, Chief Minister said the media, which is known to be the mirror of society should be kept clean and untainted.
Stating that the government is currently putting all possible effort to check sales and abuse of tobacco and drugs, Chief Minister sought support and co-operation from the public.
Regarding constituting Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to probe mass recruitments in 15 government departments prior to the last state assembly election, Biren said the present government has no ill-will and enmity against anybody but it is simply trying to check whether there was any irregularity or violation of election model code of conduct.
Information and Public Relations Minister Th Biswajit, Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen, Parliamentary Secretary (Home) L Sushindro, DIPR Director Meghachandra Kongbam, Media Advisor to CM Irengbam Arun, senior journalists, former office bearers of AMWJU and hordes of media persons attended the programme.
