PIB DDN-A one-day regional media workshop on the theme “Seva, Sushasan, Garib Kalyan Ke 12 Saal” was organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Dehradun, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, at Pithoragarh on Saturday. The workshop aimed at disseminating information about the welfare schemes, developmental initiatives and achievements of the Central Government during the last twelve years.
Mayor of Pithoragarh Municipal Corporation Smt. Kalpana Devalal attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Shri Ganesh Bhandari, Vice Chairman, State Level Minor Irrigation Advisory Committee, District Magistrate Shri Ashish Kumar Bhatgain and Chief Development Officer Dr. Deepak Saini were present as Special Guests.
Welcoming the dignitaries, media representatives and participants, Assistant Director, PIB Dehradun, Shri Sanjeev Sundriyal inaugurated the workshop and presented mementoes to the guests. Speaking on the objectives of the programme, he said that the “Vishwas Ke, Vikas Ke, Jan Kalyan Ke – Vartalap” initiative seeks to effectively communicate the achievements, welfare schemes and developmental works of the Central Government to the people through the media.
Shri Sundriyal stated that the developmental initiatives undertaken during the past twelve years in the areas of social welfare, women empowerment, youth development, healthcare, agriculture and rural development have brought positive changes in the lives of millions of citizens. Describing the media as a strong pillar of democracy, he said that journalists play a vital role in bridging the gap between the government and society and in disseminating factual information about various schemes to the public.
Expressing gratitude to all participating officials and media representatives, Shri Sundriyal hoped that the interactive programme would facilitate meaningful discussions on various government schemes and achievements and provide further momentum to the dissemination of welfare initiatives.
During the workshop, speakers highlighted various welfare schemes and developmental achievements of the Central Government over the past twelve years. They also shared information about developmental projects being implemented in Pithoragarh district, strengthening of infrastructure and comprehensive development of border areas.
The speakers stated that sustained efforts are being made to ensure that the benefits of various Central and State Government schemes reach the last mile. Special emphasis was laid on the promotion of tourism and religious tourism in the district, which has yielded encouraging results. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Adi Kailash and Om Parvat pilgrimages have witnessed a steady increase in the number of pilgrims and tourists from across the country and abroad.
They also informed that extensive road construction and upgradation works have been undertaken in border areas to improve connectivity, benefiting local residents and strengthening the region strategically. The expansion of air services and improved air connectivity have further accelerated tourism, trade and transportation in the district.
The workshop also highlighted that under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, women associated with self-help groups are witnessing an increase in income and becoming economically self-reliant. In the healthcare sector, medical facilities have been expanded at Pithoragarh Medical College and the Base Hospital to strengthen healthcare services.
Speakers also underlined the important role of the media in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, stating that the media serves as an effective bridge between the government and the people. Media representatives present at the workshop shared their views and suggestions on various issues.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. S.S. Nabiyal, District Programme Officer Dr. Nirmal Singh Baseda, District Education Officer (Elementary) Himanshu Naugai, Agriculture and Land Conservation Officer Rajesh Khetwal, Senior Horticulture Inspector Kapil Bhatt and Director, MY Bharat, Dr. Shailesh Bhatt provided detailed information about various Central Government schemes and achievements related to their respective departments.
Dr. Nabiyal elaborated on Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, National Health Mission and initiatives undertaken to strengthen healthcare services. Dr. Nirmal Singh Baseda highlighted schemes related to women and child development, including Poshan Abhiyaan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Shakti and women empowerment initiatives.
District Education Officer Himanshu Naugai shared information on the National Education Policy, Samagra Shiksha and innovations in school education. Rajesh Khetwal discussed schemes such as PM-Kisan, Soil Health Card, natural farming and various initiatives benefiting farmers. Kapil Bhatt highlighted horticulture development, promotion of apple, kiwi and other high-value crops, and programmes aimed at enhancing farmers’ income.
Dr. Shailesh Bhatt informed participants about youth skill development, youth participation in nation-building, volunteer activities and opportunities available through the MY Bharat portal. All speakers emphasized the important role of the media in the effective implementation of government schemes and dissemination of information to the public.
Detailed discussions were held on subjects including women empowerment, youth development, healthcare services, farmer welfare and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The objective of the programme was to provide media representatives with updated information on various government initiatives and to further strengthen communication between the government and citizens.
Experts, departmental officials and media representatives actively participated in the workshop. Presentations were also made on the Central Government’s major achievements, Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, healthcare and social security schemes and other developmental initiatives.
The regional media workshop organised by PIB Dehradun enabled journalists and media professionals to gain detailed information about government policies and schemes, thereby facilitating the dissemination of authentic and factual information to the public.
During the programme, Shri Sanjeev Sundriyal also interacted with media representatives and sought their views regarding issues, challenges and suggestions related to their profession. Journalists shared various practical difficulties faced while reporting from border districts, issues concerning information dissemination and matters related to journalists’ welfare.
Shri Sundriyal assured the participants that their suggestions and concerns would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities and that efforts would be made to address them. He said that the media is a vital pillar of democracy and plays an important role in establishing effective communication between the government and the people. He appealed to media representatives to continue giving priority to factual, positive and public-interest issues.
The programme also witnessed open discussions between journalists and officials on various contemporary issues, making the workshop a meaningful platform for dialogue.
Journalists associated with print, electronic and digital media from the district participated in the programme.
