Sashiwapang, IRS, Additional Commissioner, Central Goods and Services Tax, Dimapur on Thursdy remarked that nature of news has evolved, particularly due to the advent of social media and the functioning of algorithms. He was addressing the National Press Day program organised by the Dimapur Press Club (DPC) in Dimapur on the theme ‘Media in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)’.
The Guest Speaker highlighted the pivotal role social media now plays in daily life, noting that it is imperative for politicians to be active on platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter), DPC said in a press release. Sashiwapang remarked on how the spread of news has transformed in the current times while also noting that social media users disseminating news may not exhibit the same level of responsibility for fact-checking and analysis as traditional media outlets.
He acknowledged that artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a double-edged sword. Although it presents challenges, Sashiwapang maintained that people should embrace AI and adapt to its presence, DPC said.
He also commended the state’s media houses for largely refraining from taking sides and maintaining impartiality. However, he expressed that news related to economics and taxation does not receive the coverage it merits.
Discussing the economy of the state and its taxation, he noted that Nagaland generates merely 12% of its revenue internally, relying on the central government for the remaining 88%. This dependency, he argued, limits the state’s flexibility in various initiatives and urged people to consider ways to enhance the state’s revenue generation. He also mentioned that the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had discussed initiatives aimed at this objective in his budget speech.
Further, Sashiwapang claimed a shift in the central government’s perspective towards Nagaland, evidenced by the increased visits of union ministers and bureaucrats to the state, including to its remote areas. This, he argued, heightens the state’s responsibility regarding the utilisation of the funds it receives, DPC stated.
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Emphasising the need to promote entrepreneurship in Nagaland, he remarked that discussions about industrialisation in the state invariably lead to the issue of land ownership. He highlighted that Nagaland is losing about INR 1,800 crore annually in royalties due to the absence of oil exploration.
The Additional Commissioner of CSGT voiced his concern that if the people of Nagaland continue to leave their natural resource deposits untapped, their value might diminish as the world shifts towards green energy. He emphasised the need for a breakthrough in the state, urging the people to collaborate and devise effective strategies.
The 2023 National Press Day program was chaired by Dimapur Press Club’s Executive Member, Paudi Renta. The welcome address was delivered by DPC President, Imkong Walling, and vote of thanks was offered by DPC Vice President, Honikali Lohe. K Temjen Jamir, editor of Tir Yimyim, also spoke on the occasion.
The program was attended by the members of Dimapur Press Club journalists from different media houses, students, and others.
