UKHRUL: The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, on Thursday launched a dedicated “DIPR Manipur Fact Check”, an official Facebook page, aimed at combating the spread of misinformation in the public domain at the DIPR Auditorium in Imphal.
Hungyo Worshang, IAS, Secretary, Information and Public Relations Secretary, formally unveiled the page dedicated to authenticating and verifying various government orders, notices, circulars and other official communications.
During the event, a one-day awareness programme on its existing welfare schemes was also conducted.
Addressing the event, Worshang emphasised the increasing challenge posed by misinformation in the digital era. He underscored the importance of verifying the sources of news, images, and videos before sharing or publishing them. He also called upon media houses and journalists to actively support efforts, including today’s initiative, to curb the spread of false information.
According to Information and Public Relations Director Dr. Th Charanjeet Singh, MCS, the primary objective behind launching the DIPR’s official Fact-Check Facebook page is to verify various government orders, official documents that go viral on social media. By coordinating with the concerned department, the page will authenticate information and provide the public with accurate and trustworthy updates.
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He underscored the importance of fact-checking in the age of artificial intelligence, where distinguishing real from fake information has become increasingly difficult. He added that misleading information, rumours and false news incite misunderstanding amongst people and is a huge threat to peace and progress.
He also further stated that the media awareness programme was organised to create awareness about DIPR schemes and ensure benefits reach deserving individuals.
Charanjeet informed that nodal officers from various departments will be designated to verify documents related to their respective departments and information before dissemination to prevent mistrust and possible unrest arising from fake content. Suggestions from stakeholders have also been invited to further strengthen the initiative, he added.
The event featured a media sensitisation session in the afternoon highlighting the media welfare schemes taken up by the DIPR Manipur. During the programme, officials elaborated on DIPR schemes including the Journalist Pension Scheme, Welfare Scheme, Press Identity Cards and accreditation processes, and Manipur State Journalist Awards Schemes.
Sessions on “Manipur State Journalist Awards Scheme,” “Manipur Working Journalists Welfare Scheme,” and “Manipur Working Journalists Pension Scheme” were conducted by T. Ramesh Singh, Additional Director (IPR), Ph. Sheityamala Devi, Deputy Director, DIPR, and Ningthoujam Roshan Singh, Assistant Publicity Officer (Press), DIPR respectively.
The programme concluded with an interactive session between media personnel and DIPR officials, including the Director, Additional Director, Deputy Director, and APO.
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