Federation Pledges to Work for Welfare of Media Persons
Port Blair, Nov 18: The Andaman & Nicobar Media Federation celebrated the National Press Day in a befitting manner on 16th Nov. 2018. To mark the occasion, a function was held at the Buddha Hall of Hotel TSG Emerald View at 7.00 pm. The Deputy Director,(M&C) PIB, Port Blair, Mr. Nilesh Kumar Kalbhor, IIS was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Nilesh Kumar said that press plays an important role in providing information to the general public. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the media to present the truth to the public.
Welcoming the gathering, the President of the Media Federation, K Ganeshan said that the press in the Islands have never got its due share. Recently the Federation had met the Chief Secretary and brought up the issues and problems faced by the media in the Islands. The Chief Secretary assured to look into the issues. However, till date the issues remained unattended. “The IP Division used to be very active a decade ago but today the entire Division has become inactive as far as media activities are concerned,” Ganeshan said. “Issuance of accreditation cards, increasing advertisement rates, issuance of lap tops to the media persons, concession to media persons in guest houses & Medical insurances are among the issues which needs to be resolve,” added the President ANMF.
Expressing disappointment for non fulfillment of their demands, he said that the Federation will take up the matter at the appropriate forum soon. Delay in clearing of bills by departments, no media tours, no PRO/ Managers in various departments, non issuance of Accreditation card for local media persons etc. are some other issues troubling the local media here, he said. “While publishing the advertisement, publications has to pay the GST but as bills remain pending for long. He also raised the issue of discontinuation of PIB sponsored media trip to National Capital since last four years and wanted that the same may be restored. The Administration has also stopped media tour to mainland, which should also be restarted. He expressed his dismay that the Directorate of IP&T instead of listening to the suggestions of the media persons for organizing media tour to areas like Diglipur or southern group, unilaterally decide to conduct the National Press Day function at Megapode Nest,” he said.
Media representatives of Khabrain Aaj Tak, People’s view, Aspect, All India Radio, Sampoorna Awaz (Hindi), Andaman Namnadu, Island Reflector, Andaman Observer, Andaman Yugam, Dweep Chetna, Dweep Manthan, Light of Kalapani, Transition Era, Andaman Sheekha, Andaman Chronicle, The Andaman Express (English), The Andaman Express (Hindi), The Echo of India, Andaman Messenger, Dweep Aaj Tak, Mini India, Andaman Kural (Tamil) , News Spotlight, Info Andaman, Andaman Rostrum and representatives of Electronic Media, Tv24, News1 participated in the programme among others.
The Press Day programme was compered by Mr. Denis Giles, Editor, Andaman Chronicle while Mr. Shyam Singh Yadav, Vice President of ANMF proposed vote of thanks.