The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bhubaneswar, successfully organised a Regional Media Workshop titled “Vartalap” in Phulbani (Kandhamal district) today.
The event focused on the newly introduced VB-G RAM G 2025 scheme and emphasised strengthening government-media collaboration for effective grassroots communication, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Presided over by Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General (ADG), PIB & CBC (Odisha & Jharkhand Region), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the workshop highlighted the pivotal role of regional media in disseminating government policies to the last mile.
In his keynote address, Mishra stated, “Engaged grassroots communication is central to effective governance. The primary objective of PIB is to ensure that government policies and initiatives reach the people in a timely, accurate, and credible manner, thereby strengthening public trust and the government-citizen connection.” He underscored the importance of regional and rural journalists in amplifying development messages and voicing grassroots concerns.
Rashmi Ranjan Maharana, Additional Director, Agriculture Department, Kandhamal, briefed participants on key agricultural schemes, including PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM-KISAN, Soil Health Card, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, and the new PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana. He explained how these initiatives provide income security, promote sustainable farming, and enhance soil health, stressing the need for awareness through effective communication to maximise benefits for farmers.
Distinguished guest Birupakshya Tripathy, Executive Editor, Pragativadi, emphasised understanding the objectives of restructured welfare schemes. He highlighted the significance of the VB-G RAM G Scheme and the 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, urging rural journalists to play a proactive role in awareness and implementation at the grassroots level.
Guests of Honour included Gadadhar Patra, Project Administrator, ITDA, Kandhamal, who spoke on India’s unity in diversity and government efforts for tribal development through schemes like Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA), PM-JANMAN, and PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Yojana.
Sambhunath Nandi, OAS(S), Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer, Kandhamal, stressed collective efforts to bring tribal communities into the mainstream, highlighting schemes such as PM Awas Gramin, PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar, rural electrification, and health initiatives tailored for Kandhamal.
The session was moderated by Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media & Communication Officer, PIB, with welcome address by Pradeep Kumar Choudhury, Assistant Director, CBC & Nodal Officer, Vartalap, and vote of thanks by M.K. Jali, Deputy Director (M&C), PIB.
Local journalists from Phulbani and surrounding areas actively participated, engaging in discussions with officials. The workshop served as a vital platform for dialogue, reinforcing the media’s role in policy dissemination and public perception.
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