A one-day media workshop ‘Vartalap’ was organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Dehradun on Friday at the Vikas Bhawan Auditorium in Bageshwar. The workshop aimed to ensure accurate, reliable, and effective communication of the Central Government’s welfare schemes and development programs to the last person in society. Vartalap began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Journalists from various media organizations, government officials, and officers from the Information Department attended the workshop.

Under the “Vartalap” (interaction) series by PIB, the session focused on the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. Additionally, lectures were delivered on the themes of Sardar @150 Unity March and Tobacco-Free Youth. Participants, including officials, social workers, beneficiaries, and journalists, also took a pledge to support the tobacco-free youth campaign. PIB Dehradun’s Assistant Director, Mr. Sanjeev Sundriyal, stated that “The media acts as a bridge between the government and the public. Therefore, it is essential that journalists convey accurate information about welfare schemes to ensure that the maximum number of people can benefit from them.” He emphasized that this interaction program strengthens dialogue between the media and the government, highlighting the key role of journalists in the ground-level implementation of policies.

The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session where local media representatives discussed transparency and the effective dissemination of information. The event saw participation from regional journalists, administrative officials, and subject experts from various departments. All participants agreed that journalists should be provided with authentic and timely information about government schemes to help communicate development-oriented news to the masses.

Chief Guest, District Panchayat Chairperson Mrs. Shobha Arya, said that the media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Such workshops strengthen the dialogue between the administration and the press and enhance the flow of factual information. She stressed the importance of journalists having access to credible sources for fact-based reporting. Minister of State (Independent Charge) Mr. Shiv Singh Bisht remarked that the media plays a vital role in shaping a positive outlook in society. He said that accurate communication of welfare schemes to the public is essential for promoting development-oriented journalism.

District Magistrate Mrs. Akanksha Konde described the workshop as highly beneficial, noting that such events help strengthen trust and coordination between the administration and the media. She highlighted that clear and timely dissemination of information enhances transparency in the policymaking process and also spoke about the history of journalism. Project Director Mrs. Shilpi Pant gave an impactful presentation on the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, detailing various welfare schemes providing economic and social security to the poor, farmers, women, and workers.

During the event, Minister Shiv Singh Bisht, Shobha Arya, and Sanjeev Sundriyal distributed Mahalaxmi Kits to beneficiary women. Beneficiaries also shared their personal experiences of how government schemes had benefited them. Other departmental officers shared information about various welfare programs. Chief Agriculture Officer Mr. Rajendra Upreti spoke about schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and PM Fasal Bima Yojana, which have ensured financial security for farmers.

RSETI Director Mr. Dinesh Kumar discussed Atal Ayushman Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, which have provided social security to vulnerable sections of society. The Central Bureau of Communication, Nainital, also organized a special photo exhibition on Seva, Sushasan, Garib Kalyan, and Sardar @150 Unity March, showcasing 11 years of the Central Government’s achievements. The workshop was attended by Chief Development Officer R.C. Tiwari, journalists, public representatives, and other concerned officials.
 

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