Bokaro Meet Highlights Rising Threat of Misinformation, Urges Media Accountability
Bokaro: A one-day seminar on tackling misinformation and strengthening ethical journalism brought together journalists, public representatives, and administrators at Buddha Vihar in Sector-4, Bokaro. Organized by the Jharkhand Union of Journalists, the event focused on the growing menace of fake news and the urgent need to uphold media credibility.
The seminar, titled ‘Combat Fake News, Safeguard Media Credibility, and Embrace Responsible Journalism’, was chaired by District President Krishna Chaudhary, with proceedings conducted by Shekhar Sharadendu and Santosh Kumar Das.
Top Leaders Call for Accountability in Media
The event saw participation from several prominent figures, including Chief Guest and Dhanbad MP Dhullu Mahto, along with Guests of Honor—former minister and Chandankiyari MLA Umakant Rajak and Bokaro MLA Shweta Singh. Keynote Speaker Prakash Sahay, Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nath Jha, Mayor Bholu Paswan, Deputy Mayor Pooja Kumari, and union leaders including Shivkumar Agarwal, Rajat Kumar Gupta, and Rajiv Nayanam were also present.
Delivering the keynote address, Prakash Sahay warned that fake news is no longer accidental but often part of deliberate misinformation campaigns, making credibility the biggest challenge for modern journalism.
MP Dhullu Mahto expressed concern over the misuse of social media platforms, urging strict action against those spreading false information while calling on journalists to reinforce public trust.
“Journalism Must Remain Impartial”
Former minister Umakant Rajak described journalism as the “mirror of society,” stressing that neutrality remains its strongest pillar. MLA Shweta Singh echoed the sentiment, stating that institutional dignity depends on the integrity of its members and that the media must engage in introspection.
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha emphasized the need for verified and reliable sources, cautioning against reporting based on hearsay. He also assured progress on the construction of the Bokaro Press Club building.
Mayor Bholu Paswan, Deputy Mayor Pooja Kumari, and other union leaders also addressed the gathering, highlighting the shared responsibility of media and administration in combating misinformation.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mo. Shabbir. Several journalists and media professionals, including Jagdish Singh, Kunal Singh, Rajesh Prasad, Randhir Nidhi, Kailash Yadav, Vinay Raj, Uday Singh, Manoj Mishra, Mohammad Mobin, Vaidyanath Sharma, Sanjeev Ojha, B.K. Pandey, Mithilesh Sinha, Pankaj Sinha, Sanjay Kumar, Anil Chandra, Manik Chand, Sagar Mahatha, Rajesh Raj, Rajesh Kumar, and others, were present at the seminar.
