Administration Steps In to Address Media Oversight at Malyabant Festival, Ensuring Journalists’ Participation
By Addanki Iswar R.
Malkangiri, 16.12.2023 – Journalists in Malkangiri district have resumed their participation in the Malyabanta festival following successful negotiations with the district administration. The journalists had boycotted the inaugural day of the district-level financial festival, expressing discontent over alleged neglect by the administration.
From the onset, journalists had played a crucial role in promoting various events leading up to the festival, highlighting its significance at the block level. However, their frustration peaked when inadequate arrangements were made for them at the festival venue. Despite a designated gallery for journalists, concerns were raised about restricted visibility of the service program and the inability to capture photographs effectively.
In response to the journalists’ absence on the first day, discussions ensued between the District Journalist Coordination Committee and district officials, including Additional District Magistrate Trinath Majhi, Sub Collector Dr. Akshay Kumar Khemudu, and DIPRO Pramila Majhi.
Following deliberations, the administration addressed the journalists’ grievances by expanding the gallery space, ensuring better visibility, and facilitating improved photo collection opportunities. Consequently, the District Press Coordinating Committee decided to end the boycott, and journalists rejoined the Malyabanta festival from its second evening, marking a resolution to the incident of neglect that had marred the initial festivities.
