The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Srinagar organized “Vartalap,” a media workshop cum interaction program aimed at strengthening engagement with media representatives in Baramulla district.
The program was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, in the presence of Joint Director PIB Srinagar, Qazi Salman.
This event provided a platform to discuss key flagship programs of the Government of India, ongoing district developments, and the crucial role of media in promoting transparency and public awareness.
The Deputy Commissioner, serving as the chief guest, shared insights into recent achievements and the administration’s commitment to advancing these initiatives for the public good. In his address, he highlighted significant advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, and social welfare under government programs such as Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), and the Jal Jeevan Mission.
These initiatives, he noted, are transforming lives across the district by providing improved healthcare, housing, and essential amenities to local residents. The DC also commended the media’s role in raising public awareness about these programs and reinforcing accountability through responsible reporting.
Joint Director PIB Srinagar, Qazi Salman, provided an overview of PIB’s role in connecting the government with the public by disseminating accurate information on flagship initiatives. He discussed how PIB Srinagar regularly provides the press with reliable details on government schemes and achievements, ensuring that the community receives timely updates on initiatives that directly impact their lives.
The Chief Planning Officer Baramulla, Javid Ahmad, briefed attendees on the district’s development initiatives, focusing on key projects in road construction, housing, and public utilities. He highlighted efforts to enhance connectivity and ensure sustainable growth, aligning these projects with the Government of India’s flagship programs to support Baramulla’s long-term development.
Resource persons from various departments presented detailed briefings on specific programs. The Executive Engineer, Aijaz Ahmad from the Jal Shakti Department, highlighted accomplishments under the Jal Jeevan Mission, focusing on improved water access across the district. Additionally, Chief Medical Officer Baramulla, Dr. Mastoora Iqbal, outlined the successes of the Ayushman Bharat Golden Card program, which provides healthcare coverage to eligible beneficiaries, significantly reducing healthcare expenses for families in need.
Media representatives also shared valuable feedback, suggesting improvements in information flow and advocating for a dedicated press club in Baramulla to support the work of local journalists. The DC Baramulla expressed appreciation for these suggestions and indicated that establishing a press club would be considered to better serve the needs of the media community.
Mass communication students from Government Degree College Baramulla’s media wing also attended, gaining firsthand experience in government-media interactions and an understanding of how flagship programs are communicated to the public.
Earlier, Assistant Director of PIB Srinagar, Sunil Koul, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the program and emphasizing the importance of continuous collaboration between the media and government to ensure that public welfare programs reach all sections of society.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the District Information Officer Baramulla, Iftakhar Naseem, who expressed gratitude to the DC Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, for joining the program as the chief guest and for his valuable contributions to the discussion.
Iftikhar Naseem also thanked PIB Srinagar for organizing the interactive session, acknowledging its importance in strengthening the relationship between the administration and the media.
He extended special thanks to the media personnel for their active participation, as well as to the resource persons for providing insightful briefings on various flagship programs.
Among others, Media Communication Officer Srinagar Mushtaq Majid Pandit, senior representatives of media outlets, resource persons, and other officers and officials from Press Information Bureau Srinagar and Information Department Baramulla attended the program.
