Salempur - The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, organised a Regional Media Workshop, 'Vartalap', at Salipur in Cuttack district today to strengthen collaboration between the Government and the media and to enhance awareness about the Central Government's flagship welfare schemes. The workshop provided a platform for meaningful interaction among media professionals, government officials and subject experts on the role of responsible journalism in ensuring effective dissemination of authentic information and promoting citizen-centric governance.
Chairing the workshop, Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Bhubaneswar, said that in the present information age, effective communication is the foundation of trust between the Government and the people. He emphasised that the media plays a crucial role in disseminating authentic, credible and responsible information about government schemes and programmes. Journalists, he said, are not merely carriers of information but also important facilitators of constructive dialogue between the Government and society. Stressing the need for clarity, sensitivity and active public engagement in communication, Shri Mishra observed that constructive support from the media is indispensable for taking welfare schemes to the grassroots. He added that initiatives like Vartalap provide an effective platform for meaningful dialogue between the Government and the media and help disseminate development-oriented information more effectively among the people.
Dr. Umakanta Sahu, Chief District Medical Officer, highlighted the transformative impact of the Ayushman Bharat Mission in strengthening primary healthcare in the country. He said that Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are providing quality healthcare services at the doorstep, regular health screening, early detection and management of non-communicable diseases, and telemedicine services through the e-Sanjeevani platform, thereby making healthcare more accessible, affordable and inclusive.
Shri Suryakanta Sethi, Block Agriculture Officer, Salipur, spoke about various farmer-centric initiatives of the Central Government aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing farmers' income. He highlighted schemes such as PM-KISAN, Farmer Registry, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Soil Health Card Scheme, which provide financial assistance, technical guidance and encourage sustainable farming practices. He also underlined the importance of regular awareness and training programmes on natural farming, balanced fertiliser use and soil health management.
Dr. Abhishek Mishra, Deputy Director, Doordarshan Kendra, Bhubaneswar, highlighted the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's flagship initiative, World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES). He said that under the vision of "Create in India, Create for the World," the initiative provides a global platform for India's creative talent by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and market opportunities. He urged the media to create wider awareness about WAVES and encourage participation of talented youth from Odisha.
Smt. Jyotirmayee Behera, Additional Block Development Officer, Salipur, said that the media serves as an effective bridge between the Government and the people. She highlighted the importance of taking government welfare schemes to the grassroots and bringing citizens' concerns before the administration to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. She also called for responsible, impartial and constructive journalism to further strengthen good governance.
Senior journalist Shri Akshaya Kumar Das, eminent writer Dr. Purna Ojha, eminent writer and educationist Prof. Sadashiva Das, and professor and eminent writer Dr. Tapan Ranjan Mohanty highlighted the vital role of the media in strengthening democracy. They emphasised the need for responsible, impartial and fact-based journalism, and underscored the media's role as a bridge between the Government and the people in promoting good governance, accountability and democratic values.
Shri Pradeep Kumar Choudhury, Assistant Director, Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Bhubaneswar, and Nodal Officer for Vartalap, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the workshop. Shri Mahendra Prasad Jena, Assistant Director, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, proposed the vote of thanks.
During the interactive session, participating journalists shared their views and raised queries on dissemination of government schemes, information sharing mechanisms and various issues related to the media. The speakers responded to the queries in detail.
