Media‘s role in information dissemination is paramount: ADG Rajinder Chaudhry

Tarn Taran : “Media’s role in information dissemination is paramount. It also helps the Government gather feedback that helps in improving the existing schemes and policies”, said Additional Director General, PIB Chandigarh Shri Rajinder Chaudhry while attending the Media Workshop “Vartalap” organized by Press Information Bureau (PIB) Chandigarh at Tarn Taran today.

The workshop was organized to sensitize journalists about various Central Government schemes meant for the welfare of common citizens. Titled “Vartalap”, the workshop is part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s media outreach strategy and is conceptualized to act as a bridge between the masses and the government by empowering journalists with authentic information about Govt. schemes and policies.

In an attempt to bolster the uses of millets in our daily lives and highlight the coming of the ‘International Year of Millets’, PIB Chandigarh had also arranged Bajre Ki roti and mix millets khichadi at the event.ADG Chaudhry during the interaction suggested that the journalists should amplify the information shared by various government agencies and help propagate the message of development among the masses.

He also spoke about PIB Fact Check which can help negate fake news while giving a detailed presentation about the working of PIB and other allied media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Stressing on the importance of Social Media in today’s times, he said, “Social media is now an extremely powerful tool for information dissemination. However, we must be cautious and share only verified information.”

The event also saw the presence of Tarn Taran’s Addl Dy. Commissioner, Sh J.S. Grewal. Sh. Grewal spoke on the importance of media interaction with government. “Media is the most efficient mechanism to inform people of the policies and schemes of the government. Also, media is instrumental in taking the feedback of the people to the government”, he said.

Sh. Harshit Narang, Assistant Director, PIB Chandigarh also urged the media for greater contribution in nation building through timely and accurate information dissemination to the masses with the aim to take the region ahead in all developmental indicators.

Sh Tejinder singh, lecturer, GGSSS, Tarn Taran, the guest speaker spoke about the New Education Policy in detail. He said, “We should make attempts to provide world class education in India to stop the brain drain. The New Education policy focuses on vocational aspects. The aspect of skill development has been made mandatory.

This will help in generating employment and check the ongoing brain drain.”Mrs. Sangeeta Joshi, Assistant Director in Ministry of Information and Broadcasting gave a presentation on the ‘International Year of Millets’ and shared valuable insights on the history, cultivation and benefits of millets.

“Millet is rich in niacin, which helps your body manage more than 400 enzyme reactions. Niacin is also important for healthy skin and organ function. Millet is also an excellent source of beta-carotene. This natural pigment acts as an antioxidant, helping your body fight off free radicals and supporting the health of your eyes”, she informed.

Dr Salinder, District Family Welfare Officer, spoke on the issues related to maternal and child health and requested media participation in sharing articles on the importance of healthy and fortified nutrition.Later, an engaging interactive session was held with the journalists.

A comprehensive feedback was also collected from them taking inputs and suggestions on improving the ‘Vartalap’. The Media Workshop saw an active participation of nearly 40 journalists from the city.