KOHIMA — An orientation programme for the Kohima Press Club-Nagaland Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (KPC-NBOCWWB) Media Fellowship 2024 was held on Saturday at the KPC office in Kohima for the three recipients: Vibeituonuo Kuotsu and Seyiekietuo Keretsü of Nagaland Post and Kanili Kiho of The Morung Express.
Speaking on the occasion, CEO of NBOCWWB, Chubayanger, commended all the fellows who wrote in-depth stories as part of the fellowship over the last two years and expressed hope to see more exciting stories this year, according to an update.
He highlighted that the board is looking to get construction workers on board while stating that their earnings are temporary. He mentioned that the board's primary focus is on providing social security to the workers and their families. He also spoke about the challenges related to registering workers, as many lack the necessary documents.
The CEO further briefed on the schemes under NBOCWWB. He was accompanied by deputy CEO of NBOCWWB Vikeheto Naki.
The general secretary of KPC and convenor of the fellowship committee, Vishü Rita Krocha, provided a brief background on the fellowship, which was initiated in 2022 under the chairmanship of Dr. Kekhrie Yhome. The fellowship has successfully completed two rounds, resulting in the production of enlightening and crucial stories.
She thanked Chubayanger, under whose leadership the fellowship has continued into its third edition this year, for providing journalists in the state the opportunity to explore an area that had been sidelined for many years.
This year, she said the committee members were thoroughly impressed with the story ideas pitched by the selected fellows for the fellowship.
Among other topics, the fellowship stories will feature the lives of construction workers on the Kohima-Dimapur four-lane highway, exploring into their working conditions, safety risks, wages, and welfare, while exploring broader issues of labour rights in landslide-prone areas.
In her closing remarks, Alice Yhoshü noted that the KPC-NBOCWWB is the only media fellowship running for the third consecutive year. She highlighted the remarkable stories produced over the last two years and expressed hope for a continued partnership with the NBOCWWB.
Senior journalist and member of the fellowship committee, H Chishi, also spoke on the occasion.
The recipients of the fellowship signed the agreement during the programme and also received partial payment towards the fellowship.
The programme was chaired by Medolenuo Ambrocia, a member of the fellowship committee. There was also an interactive session as part of the orientation programme.