BUDGAM, JANUARY 10: One day media workshop (Vartalap) was organised by the District Administration Budgam in collaboration with PIB Srinagar and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Budgam for media persons working in Budgam district.
The workshop was inaugurated and chaired by the District Development Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat.
The workshop was aimed at sensitising the media fraternity about the provisions, objectives and implementation framework of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAMG) Act, 2025.
During the session, detailed deliberations were held on the transition from MGNREGA to the new statutory framework, with emphasis laid on enhanced employment guarantees, durable asset creation, decentralised planning and strengthened accountability mechanisms.
It was highlighted that the new Act aligns rural employment generation with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, while ensuring transparency, timely wage payments and integration of employment with core rural infrastructure. The importance of accurate and responsible reporting to ensure correct public understanding of the reform was repeatedly underlined.
The workshop also served as a platform for constructive interaction between the district administration and the media, aimed at strengthening coordination, improving information dissemination and promoting informed public discourse on development initiatives.
Addressing participants, the DC Budgam stated that the role of media is critical in translating complex policy reforms into understandable information for the common people. He said that a well-informed reporting significantly contributes to transparency, accountability and effective implementation of government programmes at the grassroots level.
He emphasised that the Viksit Bharat–GRAMG Act, 2025 represents a transformative shift in rural employment policy and requires active engagement from the media to ensure that its objectives and benefits reach rural households in a timely and accurate manner.
The DC stressed the need for fact-based, development-oriented journalism particularly in the context of welfare legislations affecting livelihoods and rural infrastructure.
The DC encouraged the media fraternity to act as responsible partners in governance by disseminating verified information and highlighting developmental outcomes, thereby strengthening public trust and participation.
On the occasion, Director PIB Srinagar, Qazi Salman; Chief Planning Officer Budgam, Javeed Ahmad Najar; District Information Officer Budgam, Erim khan; Block Development Officers, besides media professionals from the district, were present and actively participated in the deliberations.
The workshop showcased the commitment of district administration towards sustained engagement with the media to promote inclusive development and informed citizen participation.
