Media Must Rise Above Noise to Uphold Democracy: Director DIPR, Nitish Rajora
India’s Growth Story Is One of Collective Strength and Inclusion: Director PIB, Qazi Salman
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, July 16: In a bid to reinforce dialogue between the media and government institutions, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, on Wednesday organized a day-long media workshop titled “Varta”. The event saw enthusiastic participation from senior journalists and media professionals representing print, electronic, and digital media houses across Jammu & Kashmir.
The workshop aimed to promote constructive engagement and facilitate meaningful conversations around responsible journalism, media ethics, and effective communication of public welfare schemes.
“Media Must Rise Above Noise to Uphold Democracy”: Nitish Rajora
The event was inaugurated by Shri Nitish Rajora, Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, Rajora emphasized the critical role media plays in upholding democratic values, particularly in a sensitive and dynamic region like Jammu & Kashmir.
“Media has a defining role to play in ensuring transparency and public trust. In an age where misinformation spreads faster than facts, the responsibility on journalists is greater than ever,” he noted. Urging for a closer working relationship between the media and government institutions, he added, “Journalists must function as informed intermediaries between institutions and the public. Only through constructive engagement can we ensure that accurate and reliable information reaches people.”
“India’s Growth Story Is One of Collective Strength and Inclusion”: Qazi Salman
Shri Qazi Salman, Director, PIB Srinagar, highlighted India’s transformative development journey over the past decade. He spoke passionately about inclusive growth, the doubling of GDP, increased healthcare access, and the empowerment of farmers.
“These are not isolated achievements but a collective movement towards dignity, resilience, and national self-reliance,” Salman said. “Technology, transparency, and targeted policies have bridged gaps and unlocked opportunities across every section of society,” he added, stressing that such stories must be communicated effectively to the people.
Government Schemes in Focus
The workshop featured detailed presentations on flagship government schemes in the health and agriculture sectors.
Dr. Waseem Akram, Operations Manager of the State Health Agency, presented a comprehensive overview of the Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY and PMJAY Sehat schemes. He revealed that over 95% of families in J&K have received Golden Cards, facilitating more than 17 lakh treatments worth Rs 3120 crore—making the Union Territory one of the top performers under the scheme.
Dr. Amal Saxena and Dr. Liyaqat Ali Chowdhury from SKUAST–Kashmir outlined the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan. This outreach initiative focuses on taking modern agricultural practices and information on government schemes directly to farmers. Emphasis was laid on drone-based precision farming, climate-resilient agriculture, high-density orchards, and real-time advisory support.
Interactive Engagement
Each session included an open floor for questions and feedback, allowing journalists to interact directly with experts. Media professionals expressed appreciation for the initiative and called for more such platforms to foster transparency and collaboration.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, with PIB reaffirming its commitment to enabling informed journalism and nurturing strong institutional-media ties.
