Jammu: The Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, today organized one-day workshop to sensitize media persons on the issues related to election process and role of the media thereto.
According to a statement Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Mr. Umang Narula, Deputy Commissioner (District Election Officer), Jammu, Mr. A.K. Sahu, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Rishpal Singh, Joint Director Information, Ms. Samita Sethi, Consultant (SVEEP), S. Harcharn Singh, Resource Persons and large number of media persons attended the event.
The main objective of the workshop was to provide latest inputs to the media about the issues related to the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections and their day-to-day role for highlighting the events. The major thrust was on the strict implementation of Model Code of Conduct by various stakeholders of the society and disseminating important information to the masses during the electioneering.
Describing the role of media as paramount in the election process, the CEO urged upon the media persons to endeavor to inform the public in an objective manner about relevant electoral matters, political parties, candidates, campaign issues and voting processes as per the rules and guidelines laid down by the Election Commission of India. He appealed the media fraternity to work in close coordination with the Election Office and verify all sensitive issues before reporting in order to ensure conducive environment for smooth conduct of election. He also apprised about the arrangements put in place for monitoring the election related complaints from the general public as also from the political parties.
The CEO also replied to the queries of the media persons on the issues connected with the election process. The Resource Persons deliberated in length on the latest guidelines on the Model Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission of India and its implementation by various stakeholders during the election process. They discussed specific issues related to the role of media during the elections. (KNS)