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Our Correspondent
Imphal, Jan. 6 (EMN): Manipur Information and Public Relations (IPR) Minister Th Biswajit Singh on Wednesday announced that the pension amount for journalists has been increased from INR 4000 to INR 8000 and family pension from INR 2000 to INR 5000 under the Manipur State Journalists’ Welfare Scheme.
He stated this during the 46th foundation day celebration of the Manipur Press Club held at the premises of All Manipur Working Journalists Union(AMWJU) located at Majorkhul in Imphal.
Biswajit Singh said that the 'bridging the gap mission' is a major achievement of the present government as it has helped in bringing peace and development.
He said he understands the value and importance of the media fraternity as the chief minister was also from the fraternity in the past.
It may be noted that the pension scheme in the state was initiated by AMWJU by organising a fundraising event in 1996 and created a corpus fund in collaboration with the government.
The IPR Minister handed over pension books to 57 journalists approved by the DIPR through AMWJU’s general secretary.
With 57 approved members, altogether there are around 140 journalists members under the state pension scheme. At present 20 retired journalists including 12 families are getting pension.
In his speech, Agriculture, Veterinary and Tourism Minister Lukhoi Singh said the media acts as the 'eyes and ears of the public' and highlights grievances of the people. He also highlighted the importance of unbiased reporting and said every reporter should abide by media ethics and be neutral in their reporting.
On the other hand, Education minister Rajen Singh said that the media acts as a bridge between the government and the public.
Agriculture, Veterinary and Tourism Minister O Lukhoi Singh Education and Fisheries minister S Rajen Singh, Presidents Bijoy Kakchingtabam (AMWJU) and Khogendra Khomdram(Editors’ Guild Manipur) were present during the event.