The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Chennai, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, organized an Orientation Programme for Journalists today (18.09.2026) in Karur. The initiative aimed to enhance media interaction, upskill regional journalists, and streamline the dissemination of central and state welfare initiatives directly to the public.

The workshop commenced with the lighting of the lamp, followed by welcoming remarks from Shri P. Arun Kumar, Director, PIB Chennai. In his keynote address, Shri V. Palanichamy, Director General (i/c) South Zone, emphasized that journalists serve as the essential bridge to ensure government policies reach the last mile. He also emphasized the importance of accuracy, brevity, and clarity in news. He detailed key welfare schemes, including the PM Yashasvi Scheme, the PM Internship Scheme, and the Journalist Welfare Scheme, while highlighting the role of the government’s Fact Check Unit in combating fake news and AI-generated deepfakes.

The event featured detailed technical sessions covering regional priorities. Shri Ramesh, Chairman, Handloom Export Promotion Council, discussed market expansion, natural dyes, and proposed testing infrastructure for Karur's Rs.25,000 crore textile industry. Shri Rousseau Kalai, nodal officer for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan outlined modern waste management, detailing four-way source segregation under the 2026 rules, home composting, and bulk waste generator compliance. Shri S. Murugan, Deputy Director of the District Industries Centre, Karur briefed attendees on MSME support, single-window clearances, and subsidy programs like PMEGP. Smt. S. Santha, Textile Officer, focused on automation strategies and machinery subsidies up to Rs.1 crore to address labor shortages. Finally, Shri Jayachandran, Additional Superintendent of Police, Karur detailed police enforcement against synthetic drug networks and stressed community cooperation.

The orientation programme witnessed the enthusiastic participation from journalists representing print, electronic and digital media across Karur district. It provided an interactive platform for discussions on responsible journalism, government communication, emerging technologies, fact-checking and developmental initiatives.

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