Maligaon, Jue 27: Indian Railways has decided to transport all types of relief materials for flood affected areas of northeast free of cost. This provision of free transportation will be applicable for inter-state and intra-state aid and relief materials transportation by Parcel Van, Second class, Luggage cum Guard Van and goods trains.
All types of freight charges have been waived off for transportation of relief materials from any part of the country to northeast region. Further, no ancillary charges like demurrage, wharfage etc or others will be charged for transportation of relief materials. Less than standard composition rakes can also be booked with relief materials to the entire flood affected Northeast region.
Government organizations across the country can send relief materials free of cost to the flood affected areas of northeast region. In addition, other non government organizations can also avail this facility after proper approval from the respective Divisional Railway Managers.
Divisional Railway Managers have been empowered to take decisions on any further additional facilities including attaching additional coaches/vans to various northeast bound trains. However, in case of non government organizations the consignor/consignee must be District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner in whose jurisdiction the dispatching/receiving station is situated.
Indian Railways has always been ahead in helping people during natural calamities and difficult times. This initiative again proves that Indian Railways are with the people who are suffering in flood affected areas in northeast. This measure by Indian Railways will provide a major relief for the flood affected areas as more and more relief will be received through free transportation.
A talk on “Media and Governance” was organised by the Meghalaya Institute of Governance (MIG) on 27th June 2022 at the Asian Confluence, Lady Veronica Lane, Laitumkhrah, Shillong. Shri Rajesh Ramachandran, Editor of The Tribune was the speaker of the programme.
The programme was graced by the presence of Shri Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya & Director General, MIG, Shri Aiban Swer Director, MIG, prominent journalists Smt. Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times, Shri David Laitphlang, President, Shillong Press Club, representatives of all Shillong-based media houses and state government officials among other eminent personalities from civil society and institutions.
Shri Sampath Kumar gave with a brief introduction on the role of media and governance. He stressed on media as one of the four pillars of democracy which articulates the consensus of people, compared the media with the triple helix structure and how media acts as a bridge between the government and the people.
Shri Rajesh Ramachandran delivered his talk with the history of public opinion since British Era and the way it paved in the formation of governance, platforms used by different legacy newspapers and how newspapers equate with the freedom of speech and free choice.
Despite media being considered the fourth pillar of democracy, the constitution is not eloquent about freedom of press. However, because of the importance that the society attaches to it, it has come to play a crucial role. The speaker pointed out on the necessity of freedom of media which facilitates transparency and dissemination of authentic information on public matters.
He also stressed on the power of media in its role in shaping the future and highlighted on the evolution of the media from newspapers to TV channels to various digital platforms. Ramchandran further highlighted on how public opinion is often set to be manipulated and role of media lies entirely on legitimacy of public opinion.
The talk ended with an interactive session amongst the attendees of the programme whereby discussions and ideas were exchanged and a vote of thanks was delivered by the Director, MIG.
