The Press Information Bureau (PIB), today organized a day long workshop “VARTALAAP” (Rural Media Workshop) for the journalists of this border district.‘VARTALAP’ is the part of the PIB’s media outreach strategy and is aimed at sharpening resourcefulness among journalists. The workshop also intended to strengthen the interface between the government and media organizations working at grassroots level.District Development Commissioner, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary chaired the workshop which was attended by 30 working journalists.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shahid commended the journalists for their extra-ordinary contribution in the development of the district. He called upon the journalists to aware the public about the flagship programmes, centrally sponsored schemes, self-employment schemes and other social security/welfare schemes of central and state governments.Dr. Shahid also informed that in order to encourage the working journalists the district administration has already notified 18 media fellowships.Experts and resource persons including Vijay Kumar Magotra, Sunil Koul and Vikrant Sharma delivered lectures on various topics related to contemporary rural media scenario, the professional requirements of rural journalists especially those working in such border district. The journalists were also made aware about their responsibilities and role in a mixed society like Rajouri.