Accredited Journalists Association urges government to address long-pending demands including healthcare, pension, travel concessions, and institutional support to ensure dignity, security, and welfare of media professionals in India.
The Accredited Journalists Association (AJA) has submitted a detailed memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pressing for urgent action to address the long-standing demands of accredited journalists. The association emphasized that journalists, who serve as a vital link between the government and society, deserve dignity, security, and access to basic facilities.
In a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office, AJA National President Vijay Shanker Chaturvedi highlighted the challenging conditions under which journalists work—often amid natural disasters, political turmoil, and social conflicts—yet remain deprived of essential support systems. He stressed that if democracy is to be truly strengthened, the welfare of journalists cannot be overlooked.
The memorandum outlines key demands including:
- Restoration of railway concessions for accredited journalists to ensure nationwide mobility for coverage.
- Free medical treatment for journalists and their families in both government and private hospitals.
- Assurance of regular government advertisements to support financially struggling small and medium newspapers.
- Introduction of a monthly pension of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 for senior journalists above 60 years.
- Establishment of a National Media Academy for training and professional development.
- Provision of free metro passes for accredited journalists in metropolitan cities.
Chaturvedi noted that despite playing a critical role in safeguarding democracy, journalists are denied even basic facilities. He remarked that fulfilling these demands would not only uplift media professionals but also help counter the rise of fake news by encouraging responsible and accredited journalism.
“The government must recognize that democracy is incomplete without journalists. Strengthening their welfare is, in essence, strengthening the very foundation of democracy,” Chaturvedi said.
The appeal comes at a time when the media industry faces increasing financial challenges and growing threats to press freedom, making the association’s demands particularly urgent.
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