Imphal, March 30: Representatives of the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) today met N Biren, Chief Minister of Manipur and submitted a charter of demands containing 11 points. The representatives comprising of President Wangkhemcha Shamjai, Vice president Asem Bhakta, General Secretary Jit Ningomba, Advisor N Tombiraj and other members of the Standing Committee met the newly elected Chief Minister and submitted the 11 points of demands which include establishment of a Press Academy, Housing colony for journalists, construction of Journalists memorial complex at Thangmeiband Cheiraoching, allocation of land for establishing branch offices at Moreh, Jiribam and Mao, payment of Ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs and compensation of Rs 1 lakh to journalists killed or injured in accidents, Medical aids and Family benefit schemes for journalists, increase of maintenance fund of Manipur Press Club to Rs 3 Lakhs from the present 2 Lakhs, monthly payment of accredited journalists to the tune of Rs 3 thousand as is presently being implemented in Nagaland, conduct an external tour for journalists through Imphal-Myanmar-Bangkok, increase the amount under Journalist pension scheme from Rs 4 thousand at present to Rs 6 thousand while increasing the widow’s pension from 2 to 4 thousand. N Biren assured the representatives that the charter of demands will be discussed at the cabinet level and efforts will be made to transform them into concrete action. He also appealed to the journalists to suggest means and ways of improving the present system before criticizing the government. Elaborating on the various steps taken up to expedite progress and inclusive development in the state, the chief minister points out the measures implemented to fight corruption including setting up of a dedicated cell, allowing the use of mobile phones inside government establishments, repairing of potholes along the roads in both the hills and valley areas, plans for setting up Ima-Keithels in every district headquarters as well as disbursement of funds for immediate maintenance of roads and other public facilities. Besides initiatives for development, the Chief Minister also disclosed efforts for bringing peace and harmony in the state which includes a positive reply from the JAC Churachandpur for a dialogue with the state government as well as a positive vibe from the prime minister regarding the demand for construction of National Sports University in the state.
