The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Manipur was established in November 1949 with the appointment of a Publicity Officer. It was named Publicity Office at the time of inception. Shri R.K Maipaksana was the first Publicity Officer. It was upgraded to a Directorate in March 1974 with the appointment of a Director and Ex-officio Secretary. Shri T.C Tiankham, IAS, was the first Director of the Department. The Directorate was expanded in 1975 with the opening of District Information Offices. The District Information Offices are headed by District Information Officers which were created in 1978.
The Directorate is the nodal agency of the Government of Manipur to disseminate information on various activities of the Government to the public. It plays as a pivotal role in the promotion of schemes and policies of the Government and serve as a communication platform between the government and the people of the state. The Directorate constantly strives to bring the various developmental programmes, schemes, policies, initiatives and achievements of the Government to people and to ensure people’s maximum participation.
DIPR plays a crucial role in conveying public sentiment, including grievances, back to the government. It ensures that the voices of the public are heard and acted upon. The DIPR operates under the guidance of the Minister for Information and Public Relations (IPR), who is responsible for overseeing its functioning and ensuring effective communication between the government and the public.
At the administrative level in Civil Secretariat, the Department is headed by a Commissioner/Secretary while the Directorate is managed by the Director, who is responsible for overseeing its functions and ensuring effective implementation of its activities.
1.1. ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP
At present, Administrative Department is headed by Shri Hungyo Worshang, IAS, Secretary (IPR) and Shri Ngangom Uttam Singh, MCS, Director, (IPR) is the Head of the Directorate. Sanctioned posts of the Directorate are 2 (two) Additional Directors, 4 (four) Joint Directors, 9 (nine) Deputy Directors, 3 (three) Assistant Publicity Officers, 2 (two) Public Relations Officers, 14 (fourteen) District Information Officers, 1(one) Editor, 1(one) Manager of Publication, 1 (one) Designer, 1(one) Producer (Audio/Visual), 1 (one) Librarian and other subordinate staffs.
One Finance Officer has also been deputed by the Government to look into the financial matters of the Directorate.
One Public Relations Officer (PRO) each is attached at the Raj Bhavan, Imphal and the Chief Minister’s Secretariat with subordinate staff for liasioning works.
There are at present fourteen District Information Offices. The DIO offices are at Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Chandel, Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul, Pherzawl, Thoubal, Kakching, Tengnoupal, Noney, Kamjong, Jiribam and Kangpokpi. The Deputy Directors/District Information Officers are the Heads of Office and Drawing and Disbursing Officers of the District Offices. They are assisted by Reporters/Information Assistants and other subordinate staff. The Directorate also maintains the Manipur Information Centre in New Delhi and it is headed by an Officer of the rank of Joint Director (MC) whereas State Information Centre at Palace Gate, Imphal East is headed by a Librarian and District Information Centres at the District Headquarters.
1.2 MEDIA UNITS
To facilitate wider dissemination of information and building cordial public relations in the State, the Directorate has the following wings of media services: (i) Press Information Services (ii)Publication Services (iii)Photo, Film &Audio-Visual Services (iv) Advertisement & Visual Publicity Services (v)Field Publicity and Cinema Services (vi)Feedback Services(vii) New Media Services (viii) State Institute of Journalism (ix) Information Centres.
1.3 (I) PRESS INFORMATION SERVICES
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations is an interface between Government, media and people at large. The responsibility of the Directorate is to project, highlight and disseminate the activities of the Government through print and electronic media. This section prepares, handles, issues press releases, press notes, press communiqués and feature articles on the activities, achievements, policy and programme, disseminates official news backed by photographs (where necessary) to the print and electronic media. Clarification against faulty news and views published in the media are issued by this section.
Various committees have been newly reconstituted including that of issuing of featured articles highlighting the achievements of various departments etc.
The Directorate also coordinates with other media units of the Central Government viz., All India Radio, DDK and PIB. The Directorate also arranges Press Conferences / Press Briefings for VVIPs/VIPs to enable them to spread policies and programme of the government to the public through various media.
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) also plays a pivotal role in keeping the people of the State and media informed about all the developments of the State Government including the announcements and decisions through various forms of media. The Directorate releases information about the government not only through its press releases but also through its social media platforms including its Twitter handle @ DiprManipur, WhatsApp group- DIPR MANIPUR AND MEDIA and also Facebook page DIPR MANIPUR and YouTube channel @ DIPR Manipur. Significant programmes and events are starts to live streaming on the big LED TV screen which has installed at DIPR Headquarter, Nityaipatchuthek Imphal.
Moreover, coverage of Government functions, VVIPs, VIPs programmes and Manipur Legislative Assembly Sessions, Governors programmes are also done by this section.
DIPR MEDIA CELL OF THE GOVERNOR SECRETARIAT
The PRO Cell at Raj Bhavan, Imphal is responsible for managing official communication regarding the official meetings, visit and functions of the Governor of Manipur in the form press releases, media relations, and public outreach through messages. Additionally, as and when required, Videographers and installation and operation of PA system services are assigned from the DIPR Headquarters to support events and functions.
The office of PRO to Governor Secretariat comprises of 1 (one) PRO (i/c), two (2) Information Assistants and two (2) Photographers.
Roles and responsibilities of PRO Cell at Raj Bhavan, Imphal
1. Writing press releases on key information about events, official engagements and significant appointments involving the Governor. Distributing the releases to media outlets, both local and national, through email, media lists, and other communication channels. 2. Drafting Speeches for the Governor tailored to the occasion, audience, and objectives.
2. Drafting Speeches for the Governor tailored to the occasion, audience, and objectives.
3. Drafting Messages for the Governor for special occasions such as national holidays, commemorative events, and official statements.
4. News Monitoring of Local, National, and Online on relevant news stories that may impact or interest the Governor's office. Monitoring print, digital, and social media platforms daily. Curating and archiving news clippings related to the Governor, key policies, or significant events.
5. Making detailed Coverage Reports by compiling and summarizing the Governor's events, statements, or initiatives.
6. Building and maintaining relationships with journalists, editors, and media professionals as a part of Media Relations and Coordination.
7. Keeping Records of Press Releases, Speeches, Messages, and Other Related Documents
DIPR MEDIA CELL OF THE CHIEF MINISTER’S SECRETARIAT
DIPR, Media Cell of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat plays a vital role in disseminating information of the official visit, tour, meeting and functions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister in the form of Press Release, Press Handouts and Press Communique.
Roles and Responsibilities of DIPR Media Cell at Chief Minister’s Secretariat:
1. Photo and Video coverage of the official function, programmes, visit, tour, meetings, press meet etc. of the Chief Minister are performed by this cell.
2. Video Coverage of the Chief Minister’s functions, programme, tours and meetings are uploaded in the social media platform like YouTube, DIPR Facebook page etc. for archiving from time to time as when required necessary.
3. Press Clippings of the Newspaper for both National and local newspaper are sent to the concerned Administrative Secretaries to redress the grievances of the general public.
4. Preparation of the draft speeches, bullet points, messages of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Manipur are the routine activities of the DIPR Media Cell, CM Secretariat.
5. Translation of the official correspondence/ letters between the Chief Minister’s office, Central Ministries and State Government from Hindi to English language, Manipuri to English and vice versa.
6. At Present, DIPR Media Cell, CM Secretariat is manned by 1(One) Public Relation Officer. 1(One) District Information Officer attached as OSD to CM Secretariat, 2 (Two) Information Assistant, 1(One) News Scanner, 1(One) Photographer, 1(One) Assistant Videographer. 1(One) Cinema Operator, 2(Two) Drivers and 1(One) Grade-IV, 2(Two) Translator (Manipuri) and 1 (One) Data Entry Operator (English/Manipuri)
7. Installation and Operation of Public Address (P.A) System of the official function, programmes, meetings held at CM Secretariat are arranged by the DIPR Media Cell, CM Secretariat.
District Information Offices
District Information Office (DIO) of a district carry out media-related activities under the guidance of the district administration. The Office is entrusted with the responsibility of disseminating information of public importance, maintaining public relation, generating public awareness about different issues of great significance, propagating policy and programmes of the Government taken up in their respective districts. The District Information Office, maintains close coordination with the District Administration led by the Deputy Commissioner of the district to monitor the developmental activities like the distribution of benefits, redressal of grievances, dissemination of information on various schemes and programs to the public and other major issues pertaining to the district.
It takes the role of covering important national, state, local functions and happenings in the district by sending out press releases to the media. DIO takes important responsibility of media coverage in Republic Day, Independence Day, Meeyamgi Numit and other important events of the district. Besides, it also plays a crucial role in media certification as part of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) during the election time.
The staff of the DIO office includes a Deputy Director/District Information Officer, Reporter, Information assistant, Photographer, UDC/Office Assistant and Grade IV.
1.2 (VI) PUBLICATION
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations has been functioning in the field of publishing the policies, programmes, activities and achievements of the government through various means of communication. The Directorate publishes magazines highlighting the programmes, plans, achievements of the Government, culture & traditions of different communities, importance of different places of the state, festivals, etc
This section of the directorate is headed by an officer holding the position of Manager of Publication, 2(Two) Manipuri Translators, 1(One) Vaiphei Translator, 1(One) Announcer and 1(One) Journalist.
The responsibilities of Publication section include:
1. Publication of “Manipur Today”, a monthly magazine highlighting the developmental and welfare activities, schemes, policies, events, occasions, articles presented by different eminent personalities from different walks of life and achievements of the State Government has been regularly published. Additionally special issues of Manipur Today Magazine centering on important State Function have been published occasionally.
2. Manipur Government Diary, 2025 and Manipur Government Wall Calendar, 2025 were also published as a yearly programme.
3. Annual Administration Report detailing the activities and achievements of this Directorate has been published annually.
4. Multi colour publications in the form of Coffee-table book/booklet/folders/leaflets/pamphlets are also brought out on various occasions.
5. Annual Administrative Reports compilation of more than 40 departments under the Manipur State Government are also produced and works are in progress to publish the pending Annual Administration Reports detailing the activities and achievements of the various Departments of Manipur Government.
6. Draft Speeches for various State and National functions especially for Chief Guest and President are also prepared by this section.
7. Translations from English to Manipuri of the Governor’s Address and the Finance Minister’s Budget Speech presented in the Manipur Legislative Assembly session as well as the translation on various state dialects from time to time.
8. There are altogether 8 language Translators of most tribes of Manipur attached to this section of this Directorate. Other Government departments also requisition their services from time to time for translation and others.
9. Data Entry Operators (DEO) handles the designing, layout and enters data of all publications into the computer data-basis, maintained records, organised files and type the draft speeches and translation materials. It includes the draft speeches of Hon’ble Governor and Chief Minister as well as the finance budget and Governor Address is an important part of this section.
1.2 (II) PHOTO, FILM & AUDIO-VISUAL SERVICES
In order to enhance the impact of the press releases with a visual touch, the Directorate supplies photographs of important events and developmental activities to the press. The Directorate’s publications, such as, ‘Manipur Today’ and other publications carry photographs as photo features.
The Directorate has been highlighting the various activities and achievements of the Government to the people through the medium of television and its YouTube channel. Video coverage was made for functions/programmes and recorded videos were sent to Doordarshan of New Delhi, Guwahati and Imphal for telecast and also to the Local Cable TV Networks. During Assembly Sessions, the Audio-visual section of the Directorate produces a 30-minutes programme of the Manipur Legislative Assembly’s Question Hour, which is telecast on the same evening of every sitting through DDK, Imphal and uploads to the YouTube channel of the Directorate.
The Directorate also produced numbers of video documentaries, TV Reports which were telecasted through DDK, Imphal and also uploaded to the YouTube channel of the Directorate.
1.2 (III) ADVERTISEMENT &VISUAL PUBLICITY
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Manipur is the Nodal Department that issues advertisements on behalf of the State Government. Advertisements of various Government Departments, both display and classified, are released to the local and national newspapers through the Directorate.
1.2 (IV) FIELD PUBLICITY AND CINEMA
DIPR, Manipur has a well monitored network of departmental officers and staff spread across the State. The field Officers are entrusted to function as ear and voice of the Government in the field level. DIPR is one of the sole agencies to release all government advertisements to the media. Various hoardings highlighting the activities/achievements of the Government and state functions were erected at different places, covering all the 16 Districts of the State.
The Directorate also installs and operates P.A. system in important state as well as national functions like Independence Day, Republic Day and all programs and activities of Hon’ble Governor of Manipur held at Raj Bhavan. The Announcer of this Directorate does the anchoring of all the annual calendar programmes of the State Government and other programmes as and when required.
1.2 (V) FEEDBACK SERVICES
For 2024-25, feedback on the activities and policies of the Government, newspapers clippings highlighting the activities and achievement of the State Government and views and comments in general public regarding the policies and programmes of the State Government as published in all local dailies (both English and Manipuri Edition) were prepared and consolidated and submitted to the Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur for information and taking up necessary actions. A committee has been constituted for scanning the newspapers so as to find out the grievances of the general public.
1.2 (VII) NEW MEDIA SERVICES
DIPR is trying to make effective utilization of various popular social media platforms for wider publicity of the activities of the Government of Manipur. Press Releases with related Photographs have been uploading on the DIPR Website that has been upgraded and activated on 3rd April, 2017.
A Facebook Page, “DIPR Manipur” (www.facebook.com/diprmanipur) has also been opened to connect the masses with the Government through social media. The Facebook page was opened on 4th April, 2017. Updated information/ news is uploaded and the link has been given to the Directorate’s website – dipr-manipur.gov.in. DIPR video productions on developmental activities of the Government, Question Hour of Assembly Session have been regularly uploaded to YouTube for worldwide viewership. Twitter account of DIPR Manipur (@diprmanipur) connects people with the government activities. DIPR Manipur Apps, mobile apps of the Directorate also highlight day-to-day activities of Manipur Government through Google Play Apps. Free Internet Wi-Fi service at DIPR Office Complex at Keishampat is made available to the local media persons.
1.2(VIII) STATE INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM
Ever since the State Institute of Journalism (SIJ), DIPR, Government of Manipur, was established in 1992, it has been conducting short term training courses, refreshers courses, seminars and workshops in diverse fields and disciplines of Journalism and Mass Communication from time to time.
1.2(IX) INFORMATION CENTRES
For dissemination of information to the public, the Directorate is running the Manipur Information Centre at New Delhi and State Information Centre at Palace Gate, Imphal East.
(I) MANIPUR INFORMATION CENTRE:
The Manipur Information Centre, New Delhi continued its functions of maintaining a close liaison with different Ministries of the Central Government, other information units of various State Governments and media persons working in the National Capital.
(II) STATE INFORMATION CENTRE:
The State Information Centre has a good collection of books and other reading materials for reading, research, recreation and information. Information Centre is the mind of the society, a house of wisdom which serves as a vehicle of social progress by collecting, organizing, preserving, socializing and serving all expressed thoughts embodied as manuscripts, books, periodicals and in the form of different types of documents. As a Government State Information Centre, DIPR Information Centre which is situated at Konung Mamang/ Palace Compound, Imphal East plays a vital role in strengthening democracy with a good collection of books and other reading materials for reading, research, recreation and information.
Altogether 5210 books of different subject areas are available which are arranged subject wise such as Literature, Mass communication and Journalism, History, Economics, Education, Novels, Story books, collections of Poems, Philosophy, Sociology, Political Science, Biography, Reference Books etc.
Rare collection of magazines and press releases are available. The Centre also does the preservation of local daily newspapers after properly binding for future reference.
17 local newspapers including different dialect papers, National papers and magazines are providing to the public for reading. The DIPR State Information Centre is manned by 1(One) Librarian and 1(One) Grade IV.
1.3 INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS (IPR) DAY
The Information & Public Relations (IPR) Day is observed every year on 1st November. It was on this day in 1949 that the Publicity Office of the Government of Manipur was set up. The day is being celebrated to mark the establishment of the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, highlighting the role and importance of DIPR, and also to strengthen the commitment of the staff.
2. PRESS WELFARE SCHEME
2.1 MANIPUR STATE JOURNALISTS’ WELFARE SCHEME
The State Government introduced Manipur State Journalists Welfare Scheme with the allocation of Rs10 crore as corpus fund in 2017. The purpose of the scheme is to provide one-time ex-gratia relief on urgent basis to Journalists and their families. The scheme also covers the medical requirements of the journalist. Under the scheme financial assistance upto Rs. 2 lakhs at the maximum is provided. The financial assistance is extended out of the interest accrued from the corpus fund of Rs.10 crore.
MANIPUR STATE JOURNALISTS WELFARE SCHEME (MSJWS) LIST OF BENEFICIARIES w.e.f. 2017 –
A. ONE TIME EX – GRATIA (Rs. 2,00,000/-) UNDER MSJWS
|
Sl. No.
|
Name of Journalist
|
Designation & Media Organisation
|
Amount
|
|
1.
|
(L) G. Muanthang
Ex - Gratia
|
Ex - Senior Correspondent, ISTV, Churachandpur
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
2.
|
N. Tombi Meitei, Medical Treatment
|
Ex-Reporter,
Sangai Express
|
Rs. 1,00,000/-
|
|
3.
|
Th. Thangzalian, Medical Treatment
|
Editor,
Lamka Post
|
Rs. 1,00,000/-
|
|
4.
|
(L) Khelen Thokchom, Ex - Gratia
|
Ex-Special Correspondent, Telegraph
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
5.
|
(L) Ningthoukhongjam Gitchandra Singh,
Ex – Gratia
|
Joint Editor, Manipur Mail
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
6.
|
(L) V. Khamkhanthang
Ex - Gratia
|
Joint Editor, Manipur Express
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
7.
|
Phanjoubam Santosh, Medical Treatment
|
Photo Journalist, PTI
|
Rs. 1,00,000/-
|
|
8.
|
Yendrembam Mangi Ningthouja,
Medical Treatment
|
Chief Editor,
Hueiyen Lanpao
|
Rs. 1,00,000/-
|
|
9.
|
Koijam Rajen Meetei,
Medical Treatment
|
Editor – in – Chief,
Liklam Journal
|
Rs. 50,000/-
|
|
10.
|
Kakchingtabam Bipin Sharma,
Medical Treatment
|
Cameraman,
Impact TV
|
Rs. 50,000/-
|
|
11.
|
(L) Ningthoukhongjam Bishorjit,
Ex - Gratia
|
Senior Reporter,
Manipur Mail
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
12.
|
(L) Yendrembam Mangi Singh,
Ex - Gratia
|
Desk Editor,
Pandam Daily
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
13.
|
(L) Joseph Joute,
Ex - Gratia
|
Co – Editor,
Hmasawnna Thar
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
14.
|
Pangambam Naobi,
Permanent Disabilities
|
Staff Reporter,
Sanaleibak
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
15.
|
Ringo Sanabam,
Permanent Disabilities
|
Reporter,
Naharolgi Thoudang
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
(A) Sub - Total :- Rs. 23,00,000/-
|
|
16.
|
Khumukcham Rinku,
Medical Treatment
|
Editor,
Imphal Times
|
Rs. 50,000/-
|
|
17.
|
L. Hauchinlian,
Medical Treatment
|
Reporter,
Manipur Express
|
Rs. 50,000/-
|
|
18.
|
Sorengsangbam Soniya Devi,
Medical Treatment
|
Reporter,
Poknapham Daily
|
Rs. 1,00,000/-
|
|
19.
|
Thingbaijam Dhamen,
Medical Treatment
|
Imphal Correspondent,
Nagaland Post
|
Rs. 70,057/-
|
|
20.
|
Chongtham Meghabarna,
Medical Treatment
|
Editor,
Paonilkhon
|
Rs. 1,00,000/-
|
|
21.
|
(L) Thotshang Shaiza,
Ex - Gratia
|
Correspondent,
Aja Daily
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
22.
|
Pukhrambam Ibochouba,
Medical Treatment
|
Chief Editor,
Kangla Pao
|
Rs. 1,00,000/-
|
|
23.
|
(L) Laishram Reagan, Ex - Gratia
|
Sub-Editor, Morning Bell
|
Rs. 50,000/-
|
|
24.
|
(L) Rajen Khumukcham,
Ex - Gratia
|
Sub-Editor, Sanaleibak Daily
|
Rs. 50,000/-
|
|
25.
|
(L) Sanoujam Surjeswar,
Ex - Gratia
|
Sub-Editor, Sangai Express
|
Rs. 2,00,000/-
|
|
26.
|
Soibam Milan, Medical Treatment
|
Video – Editor, ISTV Network
|
Rs. 50,000/-
|
|
27.
|
Khomdram Khogendra Singh, Medical Treatment
|
Editor, The Sangai Express (Manipur Editor)
|
Rs. 1,00,000/-
|
|
28.
|
Kongbrailatpam Sharatchandra Sharma, Medical Treatment
|
Chief Burma, News Live
|
Rs. 1,00,000/-
|
|
(B) Sub – Total :- Rs. 12,20,057/-
|
|
(A) + (B) Grand Total :- Rs. 35,20,057/-
|
2.2 MANIPUR WORKING JOURNALISTS PENSION SCHEME
The Scheme was introduced in 1997 for payment of monthly pension to retired Journalists. Under the scheme, a total of 29 (twenty-nine) pensioners, 11(eleven) retired journalists and 18 (eighteen) family pensioners are at present receiving monthly pensions uninterruptedly of Rs. 8,000/- and Rs.5,000/- respectively. From October, 2020 onwards, amount of monthly pensions for journalists have been increased to Rs. 8,000/- from 4,000/- and family pension to Rs.5,000/- from Rs. 2,000/-
LIST OF PENSIONERS AVAILING PENSION (RETIRED JOURNALIST)
1. N. Tombiraj Former Correspondent, PTI (w.e.f. March, 2011)
2. S. Bharat Bhusan, Former Editor, Hueiyen Lanpao (w.e.f. August, 2008)
3. IboyaimaLaithangbam, Correspondent, Kangla Pao (w.e.f. January, 2016)
4. SaikhomJugol, Chief Editor, Meeyam (w.e.f. February, 2018)
5. A. Ghanashyam Sharma, Ereibak Daily, (w.e.f. October, 2022)
6. LaikhuramKrishnamurti, Ereibak Daily, (w.e.f. October, 2022)
7. Shri P. Ibochouba, Chief Editor, Kangla Pao (w.e.f. Oct 2023)
8. Shri Maibam Rajen Singh,Sub-Editor,Ereibak daily Newspaper (w.e.f. Jan, 2022)
9. Shri H. Netaji, Joint Editor, Kangla Pao. (w.e.f. June 2023)
10. Shri Laishram Kumar Singh, Ex-Editor ‘Ereibak daily’(w.e.f. Oct, 2023)
11. Shri PechimayumManglem, Editor ‘EikhoigiPanthung’(w.e.f. June, 2023)
LIST OF FAMILY PENSIONERS:
1. K. Pramodini, W/O(L) Former Editor, K. Basantakumar Singh, Sanaleibak (w.e.f. October, 2000)
2. Phanjoubam (O) Jamini Devi, W/o (L) Ph. Tarapot, PTI (w.e.f June, 2015)
3. Sinam Ibemcha Devi, W/o (L) SanajaobaSinam, Former, Editor Paojel (w.e.f, March 2016)
4. Thokchom Memcha Devi W/o (L) Khelen Thokchom, Special Correspondent, The Telegraph (w.e.f. May,2018)
5. Ningthoukhongjam Anita Devi, W/o (L) N. Gitchandra Singh, Asst. Editor Manipur Mail,(w.e.f. July, 2018)
6. Phanjoubam Sanjukta W/o (L) Ph. Santosh Singh,Photographer, PTI (w.e.f September, 2019)
7. Thokchom Thambalmacha Devi, W/o (L) Th. Shantiranjan, Sub-Editor, NaharolgiThoudang (w.e.f. February, 2019)
8. Khongbantabam Roma Devi, W/o (L) AK. Sanaton, Senior Journalist (w.e.f. February, 2019)
9. L.Ibetombi Devi, W/o (L) L. Baldev Sharma, Former Editor, Simanta Patrika (w.e.f. September, 2014)
10. Samurailatpam Gomti Devi, W/o (L) SomaHao, Ex-Sub Editor, Sangai Express (w.e.f. March, 2000)
11. Darrokim Amo, W/o (L) H.A Lalrohrou,Ex-Editor Shan (w.e.f. December, 1999)
12. W. Ibeton Devi, W/o (L) W. Krishnachandra Singh, Former Editor, Lanbung (w.e.f. July, 2005)
13. Keisham Nandini Devi, W/o (L) Sagolsem Hemant, Ex- Editor, EikhoigiPanthung (w.e.f. June, 2022)
14. GurumayumShantikumari Devi. W/o (L) Sh. Gopal Sharma, Ex-Editor, Poknapham. (w.e.f. June, 2022)
15. Leishiwon Shaiza, W/o Thotshang Shaiza, Ex-Correspondent, The Aza Daily. (w.e.f. June, 2022)
16. Smt. KangujamManitombi Devi, W/o (Late) KangujamMadhumangolSingh.(w.e.f. Jan 2023)
17. Smt. NongmaithemNabani, W/o (L) Nongmaithem Deven Singh. (w.e.f. Sep 2022)
18. Smt. Kh Indira Devi, W/o Rajen Khumukcham, Sub-Editor, Sanaleibak. (w.e.f June 2023)
2.3 MAINTENANCE GRANT TO PRESS CLUBS
The Directorate has been providing Rs. 3lakhs as annual Maintenance Grant to All Manipur Working Journalist’s Union (AMWJU) for the maintenance of the Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul, Imphal West and Rs.1 lakh to Manipur Hill Journalists Union, Churachandpur.
2.4 EXTERNAL/INTERNAL PRESS TOUR FOR JOURNALIST:
External and Internal Press Tour is conducted every year within and outside the State, occasionally to abroad with a motive to strengthen the relationship between the government and the media. It creates better impression among the media persons about the Government and its initiatives.
2.5 ACCOMMODATION AT MANIPUR BHAWANS
The State Accredited Journalists who are holders of DIPR General Identity Card for 10 consecutive years are providing accommodation at Manipur Bhawans located at various states of India at concessional rates equivalent to officers staying at Manipur Bhawans on duty.
2.6 NATIONAL PRESS DAY
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and media fraternity, observes National Press Day every year on 16th November, commemorates the indispensable role of a free and responsible press in democratic societies. The day holds significance as it marks the establishment of the Press Council of India in 1966. It serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial role that a free and independent press plays in sustaining a vibrant democracy like India.
MANIPUR STATE JOURNALISTS’ AWARD:
As a part of the National Press Day Observation, the State Journalists’ Award in eight categories is also distributes to journalists. The award carries a citation and a cash award of Rs 40,000/- for Best Editor Award and Rs 25,000/- each for other categories for news items and articles published during the preceding calendar year and for Best Editor, based on ‘National Integration & Communal Harmony. A Selection Committee comprising a panel of jury members appointed by the government was also constituted for the selection of awardees. The panel of judges included experts from different fields including journalism, literature (nominated by State Kala Akademi), concerned subjects and categories headed by a chairman.
Under the Press Welfare Services Scheme, the Manipur State Journalist Award was instituted in1994 with only one category of award i.e., Best Editor Award carrying cash prize of Rs 5,000. The first recipient for the Manipur State Journalist Award, 1994 was the then Editor of ‘Manipur Mail’, N. Tombi Singh. The award initially carried a cash prize of Rs 5,000/- and a certificate. Now there are eight categories of awards. The Directorate has increased the value of the cash award given to Best Editor of a local newspaper from Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees Twenty-Five thousand) to Rs. 40,000 (Rupees Forty Thousand) from the year 2020. Cash awards of Rs. 25,000/- and a citation each for the other seven categories remain unchanged. The Awards are applicable to all journalists of the registered daily and weekly newspaper published in Manipuri or English and private sector electronic media in the State recognized by DIPR, Government of Manipur. The awards are applicable to all journalist of the registered daily and weekly newspaper published in Manipuri or English and private sector electronic media in the state recognized by DIPR, Government of Manipur.
JOURNALISTS IDENTITY CARD
Press Identity Cards are issued free to media persons working in the State to facilitate them in carrying out their tasks under Rules for Accreditation to The Government of Manipur of Press Representatives representing Newspapers or Press Agencies, 1994 (Amended, 2008).
Applications for issue of Press ID Cards are screened by a State Press Accreditation Committee/Press Identity Card Screening Committee, after which they are sent to the Police for verification of the antecedents of the applicants.
The Press ID Cards are issued only after verification by the Superintendent of Police/CID (SB). Three types of Press ID Cards are issued, Accredited Press ID Cards to Accredited Journalists, General Press ID Cards to other journalists and Electronic Press ID Cards to journalists from electronic media. The Director, Information & Public Relations, Manipur is the sole Authority to issue Press Identity Cards on behalf of the Government of Manipur.
At present, altogether 421 DIPR Identity Card are issued to working journalists of the State. Out of this, 112 are Accredited (105 male and 7 female) and 309 are General ( 281 male 28 female ).