IMPHAL, May 1: Amid the increasing challenge of fake news and misinformation in this digital era, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, launched the “DIPR Manipur Fact Check” official Facebook page and organised a one-day awareness programme on its existing welfare schemes at the DIPR Auditorium, Imphal on Thursday.
Secretary, IPR, Hungyo Worshang, formally launched the “DIPR Manipur Fact Check” official Facebook page, which aims at authenticating and verifying various government orders, notices, circulars, etc.
Hungyo highlighted the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital era. He stressed the need to verify sources of news, images and videos and urged media houses to actively support efforts, including this initiative, to curb the spread of false information.
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Addressing the media, Director, IPR, Dr Th Charanjeet Singh, underscored the importance of fact-checking in the age of artificial intelligence, where distinguishing real from fake information has become increasingly difficult. He added that misleading information, rumours and false news incite misunderstanding among people and pose a huge threat to peace and progress.
He further stated that the media awareness programme was organised to create awareness about DIPR schemes and ensure that benefits reach deserving individuals.
Dr Charanjeet informed that nodal officers from various departments will be designated to verify documents related to their respective departments before dissemination to prevent mistrust and possible unrest arising from fake content. Suggestions from stakeholders have also been invited to further strengthen the initiative, he added.
The event featured a media sensitisation session in the afternoon highlighting the media welfare schemes undertaken by DIPR Manipur. During the programme, officials elaborated on DIPR schemes including the Journalist Pension Scheme, Welfare Scheme, Press Identity Cards and accreditation processes and the Manipur State Journalist Awards Scheme.
Sessions on the “Manipur State Journalist Awards Scheme,” “Manipur Working Journalists Welfare Scheme,” and “Manipur Working Journalists Pension Scheme” were conducted by T Ramesh Singh, Additional Director (IPR), Km Ph Sheityamala Devi, Deputy Director, DIPR and Ningthoujam Roshan Singh, Assistant Publicity Officer (Press), DIPR, respectively. The programme concluded with an interactive session between media personnel and DIPR officials, including the Director, Additional Director, Deputy Director and APO (Press). (NNN)
