TLDR: Shillong recently hosted a ‘Vartalap’ event, a collaborative effort by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), and the Government of Meghalaya’s Planning Department. The event focused on Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in Meghalaya and included a media workshop covering Media Laws, Ethics, and Artificial Intelligence. Dignitaries like Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar and Minister of Information and Public Relations Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh emphasized the media’s critical role in disseminating information about government schemes and the responsible use of AI.
Shillong, Meghalaya – A significant ‘Vartalap’ event, a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas, was recently organized in Shillong, bringing together government officials, academics, media professionals, and students. The initiative, a collaboration between the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Shillong, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), and the Planning Department, Government of Meghalaya, took place at Raj Bhavan on Friday, August 23, 2025.
The event’s core agenda revolved around two key areas: an in-depth discussion on Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) being implemented in Meghalaya and a comprehensive media workshop focusing on Media Laws, Ethics, and the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence.
Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, underscored the paramount importance of effective implementation of CSS and the media’s indispensable role in raising public awareness. He stated, “Schemes are designed to benefit people, but their success depends on how well they are implemented and how effectively citizens are informed. The present Union Government has placed particular emphasis on the Northeast, and Meghalaya is receiving due attention in agriculture, horticulture, and infrastructure. The bridge between the Union and the State is crucial, and the media has a vital role in ensuring that information about these benefits reaches the people.”
Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Information and Public Relations, Government of Meghalaya, delivered the keynote address, highlighting ‘Vartalap’ as a vital dialogue platform. She emphasized the need for accurate information dissemination, noting, “This meeting of minds and exchange of ideas is a constructive space that must lead to definitive results, where information about Centrally Sponsored Schemes is properly disseminated through the media to the public. I am grateful to PIB for verifying facts before communication. Often misrepresentation of facts creates confusion, and that is why the value of authentic information is so important.” Dr. Lyngdoh also cited Meghalaya’s strong performance in health through the National Health Mission (NHM) and PM-JAY, benefiting over five lakh individuals, and in agriculture via PM-Kisan. She issued a cautionary note regarding AI, stating, “AI is a powerful tool, but if misused, it can be dangerous. It must be handled responsibly.”
Kripa Shankar Yadav, Additional Director General, NEZ, Guwahati, in his welcome address, articulated the dual purpose of the workshop: to foster discussions on CSS and to conduct a workshop on Artificial Intelligence, alongside deliberations on Media Law and Ethics, thereby enriching both media professionals and students. Prof. S.K. Dixit, Registrar of NEHU, further emphasized the contemporary relevance of Media Laws, Ethics, and AI in the rapidly evolving media landscape, advocating for a re-examination of Indian media laws in light of new technologies.
Richard Zongte, Director, IPR, North Eastern Council (NEC), provided updates on ongoing NEC projects. Vijay Kumar Mantri, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Meghalaya, detailed the progress of CSS in the state, highlighting redesigned and newly introduced schemes. He mentioned Meghalaya’s target of 2032, marking 60 years of statehood, with a focus on ten key opportunities including connectivity, water, power, internet, housing, health, nutrition, and education. Mantri reported significant achievements in programs like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi (74% coverage), Ayushman Bharat, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission (remarkable progress from zero coverage seven years ago), and PM Poshan (covering over 7,700 schools). He proudly declared Meghalaya’s transition from an ‘aspirer state’ to a ‘fast mover state’.
B.D.R. Tiwari, Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, stressed the role of governance in driving holistic development, shifting focus from production to social infrastructure and employment generation. He highlighted the Centre-State partnership and initiatives like Make in India, Skill India, Startup India, and Digital India, all contributing to national self-reliance during the ‘Amrit Kaal’.
Anita Nongkhlaw, President of Seng Longkmie Madanriting, Shillong, offered a grassroots perspective on women’s empowerment, commending government initiatives in health, sanitation, nutrition, and support for below-poverty-line families. She called for increased awareness and better guidance for women’s economic empowerment.
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The event concluded with technical sessions, including a presentation by Prof. Suresh Chandra Nayak on ‘Artificial Intelligence for digital readiness’ and a session on ‘Media Laws and Ethics’ led by Advocate Melamshwa Allya. A subsequent panel discussion featured prominent media figures and academics, who delved into ethical technology use, journalistic responsibilities, and media’s role in upholding democratic values. Attendees included journalists, students, researchers, professors, and senior government officials.
