Shillong, October 9: The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Meghalaya, organised the DIPR Conclave 2026 at the State Guest House in Shillong on Friday, bringing together government officials, journalists and media representatives to discuss ways to strengthen public communication, improve access to information and build a more responsive and future-ready information service.
Held under the theme “Strengthening DIPR: Building a Responsive, Connected and Future-Ready Information Service,” the second edition of the conclave focused on modernising the department, strengthening media relations, expanding digital outreach and improving coordination between government agencies and media organisations.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Information and Public Relations Minister Lahkmen Rymbui stressed the importance of maintaining cordial relations with the media and ensuring that accurate information reaches the public.
He urged DIPR officials to think beyond conventional approaches and explore innovative ways of communicating government information. Expressing concern over the influence of social media and misinformation, Rymbui emphasised the need to help citizens distinguish factual information from misleading content.
The conclave featured five sessions covering the establishment of an integrated DIPR newsroom, digital outreach, media relations, rapid response mechanisms, institutional capacity-building and stakeholder engagement.
Vijay Mantri, Commissioner and Secretary of Information and Public Relations, described the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and highlighted the department’s responsibility to support credible journalism and counter misinformation.
He also referred to existing journalist welfare initiatives, including the Journalist Welfare Scheme 2024, pensions for senior and retired journalists, and the Journalist Welfare Fund, while acknowledging the challenges faced by media organisations in Meghalaya.
Speaking on behalf of the Shillong Press Club, its General Secretary and T7 News Producer Dominic Savio Diengdoh called for improved access to government information, regular official briefings and timely responses to queries raised by journalists.
He also emphasised the need for continuous training and capacity-building programmes for journalists working in both urban and rural areas, alongside stronger welfare measures and greater attention to the difficulties faced by reporters operating in remote parts of Meghalaya.
Representing the Meghalaya Editors’ and Publishers’ Association (MEPA), Deimebanda Blah, Managing Editor of Meghalaya Times and MEPA Treasurer, urged DIPR to adapt to the changing media environment.
She proposed strengthening district-level communication, establishing a centralised portal for government press releases, conducting regular media briefings and creating a dedicated fact-checking cell within DIPR to address misinformation.
The discussions also explored opportunities for closer collaboration between government departments and media organisations through joint workshops, improved communication systems and coordinated information dissemination.
A major outcome of the conclave was the adoption of resolutions aimed at strengthening DIPR’s institutional capacity, improving coordination and enhancing public communication.
The conclave concluded with a renewed emphasis on building a transparent, responsive and digitally connected information service capable of meeting the changing needs of both the media and the people of Meghalaya.
DIPR Conclave 2026 Calls for Stronger Media Coordination, Faster Information Sharing and Better Journalist Welfare
