PIB, Jalandhar organizes ‘Vartalap’ Media Workshop in Moga

Discussion held on the theme ‘Role of Government of India’s various schemes, policies and initiatives in women’s empowerment’

Moga, November 27, 2025: The Jalandhar branch of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Chandigarh, organized the ‘Vartalap’ media workshop in Moga, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Journalists from Moga participated prominently in the workshop. During the workshop, officials from various district departments deliberated on the theme, ‘Role of the Government of India’s various schemes, policies and initiatives in the empowerment of women’.

On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Moga, Sagar Setia, graced the event as the Chief Guest. The workshop commenced with the collective rendition of the national song Vande Mataram.

Media & Communication Officer, Dr. Vikram Singh, welcomed all the dignitaries present. He briefed the gathering about the role of various media units under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, stating that PIB is the foremost component of the Ministry. He emphasized that effective dissemination of government policies, programmes/schemes, and initiatives to the public requires strong coordination between PIB and the media. He added that it is with this very objective that the 'Vartalap' platform is organized.

Addressing the journalists, Deputy Commissioner Moga, Sagar Setia, said that women play a pivotal role in the nation’s progress, and a stronger, more empowered women population will lead the country toward greater advancement. He noted that various departments of the Government of India are implementing several schemes that have played a commendable role in empowering women across the country. He highlighted that the government is giving special attention to health and education, and that efforts are being made to ensure that the benefits of various schemes reach the grassroots level. For this purpose, coordination between the government and the media is essential.

He further stated that programmes like 'Vartalap', organized by the Press Information Bureau, play a significant role in strengthening communication between the government and the media, ultimately benefitting the general public. Through the media, people become aware of the schemes being implemented for their welfare and how they can avail of these benefits.

District Family Welfare Officer, Moga, Dr. Ritu Jain, from the Health & Family Welfare Department, said that a healthy population is crucial for national development. She informed that under the National Health Mission, the Government of India runs several schemes specifically for women. She mentioned that under the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, pregnant women are provided free healthcare facilities.

District Education Officer (Elementary), Moga, Manju Bhardwaj, stated that the Government of India is working proactively to promote the education of daughters across the country. She informed that under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, free and compulsory education is provided to all children, including girls, between the ages of 6 and 14.

She added that under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, students are provided free lunch, and through the Rani Lakshmi bai Self-Defense Training Programme, girls are trained in self-protection.

Agriculture Officer, Moga, Dr. Sukhraj Kaur, highlighted that the Union Government is giving special priority to women in the agriculture sector, which has significantly promoted both farming and women’s empowerment. She informed that under the Namo Drone Didi initiative, four women in Moga district have set exemplary benchmarks by operating drones for agricultural spraying.
District Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Officer, Moga, Mrs. Dimple Thakur, stated that the department is conducting various training programmes through which women are becoming empowered using their skills and are emerging as role models for others.

Block Mission Manager, Skill Development Mission, Mrs. Manpreet Kaur, provided information regarding the significant role of women in the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Sankalp Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana.

On this occasion, Dr. Sukhdeep Singh, Information Assistant, extended a vote of thanks to the journalists, the Chief Guest, and all speakers. The workshop concluded with the speakers responding to questions posed by the journalists.