Shillong, May 14: Meghalaya governor V. Shanmuganthan today stressed the importance of "inspirational journalism" saying the media should strengthen hope and confidence among the people.

Shanmuganathan was addressing the annual general meeting of Meghalaya Editors & Publishers' Association (Mepa) at Shillong Club here today.

The governor said the role of media in modern times could not be "underestimated". However, the media should not lose sight of its objectives and responsibilities.

"The fundamental objective of journalism is to serve the people with news, views, comments and information of public interest, which should be done in a fair, accurate, unbiased and decent manner keeping in mind the cascading effect media has on society," he added.

He said journalism in the state should progress and elevate.

The governor also presented awards to people who have served society through the media.

One of the awardees included Debin Kharsyntiew, a newspaper vendor at Iewduh, who has been in the profession for more than 50 years.

The association also elected its new office-bearers during the annual meeting.

The association resolved to urge the Meghalaya government to enhance the corpus of Journalist Welfare Fund and that it should not be made into a one-time assistance.

Further, it urged the state government to implement a pension scheme for journalists of the state as was done in Assam while also calling for the implementation of a health insurance scheme for media personnel.

The association urged the government to set up media centres in all the district headquarters for the benefit of journalists serving in the districts.