Manipur DIPR Advisor Oinam Sunil Singh calls for faster news dissemination, wider use of Manipuri language and a registration policy for digital media organisations.
Imphal, Nov. 1: Oinam Sunil Singh, Advisor (Media) to the Manipur Chief Minister, has called on the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to speed up the dissemination of authentic government information, expand news distribution in Manipuri language and develop a policy for digital media organisations.
Sunil Singh made the remarks while attending the 78th Information and Public Relations Day 2026 as chief guest at the DIPR auditorium in Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal, on Sunday.
He stressed that timely dissemination of government news would help media organisations access official information promptly and provide wider coverage, including placement in headlines.
The advisor also emphasised the need to strengthen the Directorate’s communication in Manipuri, or Meeteilon, alongside its regular English-language publicity. Recalling that DIPR had previously disseminated news in Manipuri on a regular basis, he urged officials to consider restoring and expanding the practice.
Sunil Singh described Manipuri as a common language connecting Manipur’s 36 communities and called on the Directorate to take initiatives to popularise the language through government news dissemination. He urged DIPR officials to deliberate on the proposal and take appropriate steps.
He further suggested that the Directorate formulate a digital media policy and establish a system to register digital media organisations under its purview, with the aim of providing better regulation and recognition to the growing sector.
DIPR Should Connect Government and Public
Speaking at the programme, Secretary (IPR) Neeta Arambam said the department had two principal responsibilities: disseminating information and maintaining public relations. She said it was responsible for ensuring that authentic government information reached citizens quickly, accurately and effectively.
Referring to the challenges of the digital age, Neeta Arambam observed that both genuine and false information could spread across the world within seconds. She stressed the need for truthful, accurate and responsible communication, particularly through the department’s newly launched website.
She also said DIPR’s role should extend beyond issuing press releases and circulating government communications. The Directorate, she noted, should serve as a bridge between the government and the public, ensuring that official information reached citizens while people's concerns and voices were conveyed to the government.
Neeta Arambam said the annual celebration was also an occasion to honour retired employees for their service and recognise the achievements of outstanding staff members. She emphasised that the department’s effectiveness depended on the dedication and commitment of its employees.
Directorate's History and Staffing Challenges
In her welcome address, Additional Director (IPR) W. Phajatombi Devi said that although DIPR might be considered a small department, it carried significant responsibilities. She acknowledged the shortage of manpower but said the Directorate had continued to provide coverage for major state-level functions and other important events.
Phajatombi Devi traced the department’s history to its establishment in 1949. It was upgraded to the Directorate in 1974, followed by the expansion of its activities to district headquarters in 1975.
She also highlighted the tradition of sharing a meal with retired employees during the annual celebration, describing it as an opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues and acknowledge their contributions.
The programme featured the felicitation of retired officials and best-performing DIPR employees. Additional Director (P&D) T. Ramesh Singh proposed the vote of thanks.
DIPR officials and staff, pensioners, and representatives of various media bodies and organisations attended the event.
