NAMSAI, Nov 17:  The National Press Day(NPD)  was celebrated at Namsai with tributes to Late Taro Chatung and V Ravindran Nair. 
The event was organised by Arunachal Press Club in collaboration with Directorate of Information and Public Relation supported by the Namsai district administration.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday urged the state’s media community to organise an event to discuss if panchayat polls in the state could be fought on non-party basis, saying that would enhance the possibility of election of "genuine leaders."
Addressing journalists on the occasion of the National Press Day here, he also called upon them to play the role of a watchdog to root out corruption.
"If elections are held on party line, many genuine candidates may not get tickets as parties have their own dynamics. But if it is fought not on party basis, people could elect a genuine leader who can lead society," Khandu said.
The chief minister said an event could be organised by media houses where all stakeholders would discuss the issue.
"Corruption is going on in the state. We have reports that benefits of government schemes do not reach the actual beneficiaries. A large part of development funds under central schemes are misused. In such a situation, the media can play a crucial role to unearth the anomalies which will reduce corruption," the CM said.
He also urged journalists to partner with the state government to achieve its developmental goals.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by various media organisations, he said he would approach the information & broadcasting ministry to name the film and television institute in Itanagar after veteran journalist Taro Chatung, who passed away on 26 October.
The media bodies also requested the government to frame an advertisement policy for the electronic media besides enhancing the government advertisement rates.
On the citizenship amendment bill (CAB), the chief minister informed that the consultative committee on the CAB “is ready with its final report after detailed consultations with all stakeholders.” He said a cabinet meeting has been convened on Monday to discuss the report and draft a final submission to the home ministry.

Speaking on another sensitive matter, Khandu said everyone should appreciate the ongoing Naga peace talks and hope for a final solution to the decades-old vexed issue.

“We appreciate the talks between the government of India and Naga groups, which, as reported in the media, is nearing its final phase. Once an agreement is reached, peace and normalcy will return in the region, so that we can concentrate on development. However, when it comes to territorial integrity of our state, I have made my stand clear to the central government that we will not compromise on it,” Khandu said.
He said he would soon call an all-party meeting on the issue.
Asserting that the role of the media is vital in generating a democratic culture that extends beyond the political system and becomes engrained in the public consciousness over time, the CM said “the media also serve as watchdogs that people rely on for uncovering errors and wrongdoings by those who have power.”
“From day one, the BJP government at the Centre and in the state has declared zero tolerance towards corruption. The sad part is, despite our sincere efforts, it continues. You must expose all such acts and incidences, for us to take appropriate action,” he said.
Terming “transparency” another important promise of his government, Khandu said “transparency in governance can be maintained only when the media is proactive and vibrant.”
Khandu is the only Chief Minister who sat through the NPD debate competition in recent times. CM later released NPD Magazine’ title ‘Bugle’ during the event along with the DCM and media bodies functionaries. 
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein in his address highlighted the state government initiatives of media welfare schemes and also assured to extend possible help to the media community.
APUWJ president Amar Sangno in his key note address said that the commercialization of news, rise of fake news and insensitivity towards the truth is eroding the fourth pillar which he said is a serious threat to democracy.
Sangno appealed to the government to come up with a regulatory body in the state without hurting the fundamental principle of freedom of press.
Director IPR Obang Tayeng while welcoming the gathering said the NPD is a celebration of democracy. He  said that  objective of celebrating NPD at district headquarters was to sensitize people on the role of media and its importance.
Awards distributed
As per tradition, the press community awarded the V Ravindran Award for Excellence in Journalism (Print) to three journalists. This year the awards were won by Lijo Karlo (Echo of Arunachal) in the ‘human interest’ category for her story ‘Why stigma is a greater disease’; Nellie Manpoong (The Arunachal Times) in the ‘politics & governance’ category for her story ‘Govt tight-lipped on JHPC’s PRC recommendations’; and Talar Yuto (The Arunachal Pioneer) in the ‘investigative journalism’ category for his story ‘Potential tourist hotspot Naksha Parvat cries for attention’.
This year the press community introduced another award for electronic media persons, called the Taro Chatung Award for Excellence in Electronic Media, as a tribute to the late pioneer of electronic media in the state.
The first edition of the awards were won by Raj Pradhan (Itanagar News) in the ‘human interest’ category for his story ‘Binum Taba – First female tempo driver; Yuvraj Mehta (Aaj Tak) in the ‘politics & governance’ category for his story ‘PRC issue: Violence in Itanagar’; and Sange Droma Bodoi (Arunachal Today) in the ‘investigative journalism’ category for her story ‘Chowkham post office scandal’.
Dr Rapten (Dorjee Tashi) of Rama Camp (West Kameng) was awarded the ‘outstanding achiever’ title for treating free of cost more than 15,000 patients in a span of two years through his indigenous knowledge acquired through training in naturopathy in Sikkim and Vietnam. He is known for his unique ‘spoon therapy’, which he applies on patients suffering from gastric issues.
Meanwhile, the annual Chief Minister’s Running Trophy Debate Competition was jointly won by the teams of Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh, and St Claret College (SCC), Ziro. This is the third consecutive win for the SCC team.
Among others, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, legislators Chow Zignu Namchoom, Jummum Ete Deori and Karikho Kri, officers of the district administration, the chief engineers of the eastern zone, HoDs, CBO leaders, senior citizens, and students attended the event.
Incidentally, the National Press Day celebration became the first event to be held at the newly constructed state of the art Multi-Purpose Cultural Hall, which was inaugurated by the Chief Minister in the morning. (PTI & CMO)

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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