Shri N. Biren Singh said that people are free to give suggestion, talk openly and criticise the government policies and programmes but should not give false allegation or backbite to the government. Citing that certain measures have been taken up by the government to maintain transparency in administration, Chief Minister mentioned that there should a system of check and balance in the government.

Highlighting that the new government has introduced a new ‘system’ that could hear the problems and grievances of the people, Chief Minister said that the purpose of organising ‘Meeyamgi Numit’ and Hill Leaders’ Day is to identify the wishes and aspirations of the common people who are at the grass-roots level, to hear their grievances so that government could know the living standard of the people in our society.

With these three months of the new government, Shri N. Biren Singh said that the government has been conducting intensified mass drives against drugs and other intoxicants. He mentioned that the menace of drugs addiction is alarming and the government is trying its best to ensure for a healthy mind and body for the people of the State by taking certain measures such as proper counselling and rehabilitation of victims of drug abuse.

Chief Minister conferred various awards to five journalists for their immense contribution in the field of journalism. In the print media section, the best male journalist award was conferred to Th. Premchand of Poknapham, best female journalist award to Baby Serin of Ichel Express. The best journalist electronic media was given to N. Sanajaoba of ISTV, best appreciated DIPR personnel was awarded to P. Romesh Singh and best hawker to Chirom Biren. On the occasion, six veteran journalists were also conferred special mentioned awards.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for IPR and PWD Shri Th. Biswajit Singh said that the objective of the media is not only to provide news but also to provide Information, to communicate and to impart Education to the people of the State. He mentioned that people have the perception that whatever publish in the media are true, so my sincere appeal to the media persons is to publish the concrete truth and to act as a bridge the gap between the people and the State. So, he also urged the media houses to publish the authentic and credible news after doing proper research. He appealed the media houses to write and discuss the importance of the newly introduced welfare schemes so that the needy and poor people could be benefited from those schemes.

Mentioning that the government seek the love and support of the people to bring inclusive development of the State, Shri Th. Biswajit Singh said that the need of the hour is to bring quality development not quantity in the State. For an inclusive development of the State, Minister maintained that we all should know our rights, responsibilities and duties and to work efficiently with sincerity towards the development of the State.

Later, Chief Minister also handed over the meritorious awards to some students of the locality. On the occasion, A.K. Ibomcha of Eastern Armed Border, donated Rs. 1 lakh to the CM Relief Fund for victims of recent flood in the State. (DIPR)