Shillong, August 22: Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar on Thursday declared that the Raj Bhavan “belongs to the people of Meghalaya,” urging that its doors remain open to citizens with valid concerns. He assured support for any initiative or issue that benefits the state, particularly in connection with the Union government.
He was addressing a Vartalap on Centrally Sponsored Schemes, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Shillong, in collaboration with NEHU and the State Planning Department, at Raj Bhavan. The event also featured workshops on Media Laws, Ethics, and Artificial Intelligence.
Highlighting the significance of effective execution, Governor Vijayashankar said, “Schemes are designed to benefit people, but their success depends on how well they are implemented and how effectively citizens are informed. The present Union Government has placed particular emphasis on the Northeast, and Meghalaya is receiving due attention in agriculture, horticulture, and infrastructure. The bridge between the Union and the State is crucial, and the media has a vital role in ensuring that information about these benefits reaches the people.”
In her keynote address, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Information and Public Relations, underlined the role of Vartalap as a vital dialogue platform. “This meeting of minds and exchange of ideas is a constructive space that must lead to definitive results, where information about Centrally Sponsored Schemes is properly disseminated through the media to the public. I am grateful to PIB for verifying facts before communication. Often misrepresentation of facts creates confusion, and that is why the value of authentic information is so important. Meghalaya has been performing strongly in health through NHM and PM-JAY, with over five lakh beneficiaries, as well as in agriculture through PM-Kisan. However, challenges remain, and the media has a vital role in bridging gaps. AI is a powerful tool, but if misused, it can be dangerous. It must be handled responsibly.”
Senior officials pointed to significant progress in key sectors under PM-Kisan, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, PMAY, and PM Poshan. Speakers stressed on the synergy between state and central governments, the responsibility of the media in bridging gaps, and the ethical use of AI in public communication.
The day-long programme brought together journalists, academics, legal experts, students, researchers, and government officials. It featured technical sessions on Artificial Intelligence for digital readiness by Prof. Suresh Chandra Nayak and on Media Laws and Ethics by Advocate Melamshwa Allya. The discussions culminated in a panel led by Dr. Kamaljit Chirom, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, NEHU, with Ms. Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times, Ms. Oineetom Ojah, Associate Editor, North East Live, and Prof. H. Srikanth, Department of Political Science, NEHU, focusing on ethics, media responsibility, and the role of the press in strengthening democratic values.
