HAnnounce it immediately and issue cards to all eligible journalists without delay
- Demand made by WJI National President Sanjay Upadhyay
- Will meet the Chief Minister regarding journalists’ issues
- Old laws need to be amended
Hyderabad:
Sanjay Upadhyay, National President of the Working Journalists of India (WJI), demanded that the Telangana government immediately announce the procedures for issuing accreditation to journalists and provide cards to all eligible individuals as early as possible. He emphasized the need to simplify the accreditation policy. He said it is unjustifiable that the matter has remained unresolved for over a year. As part of his Telangana tour, he spoke at a press meet organized at Somajiguda Press Club in Hyderabad on Friday.
He mentioned that they would soon submit a petition to the Chief Minister regarding key issues faced by Telangana journalists, including strong insurance coverage, free treatment in hospitals, and health cards. He also said they are fighting for concessions in train and flight tickets for journalists and complete exemption from toll charges. He announced that a massive rally would be held in Delhi in September to present these demands to Prime Minister Modi.
Sanjay Upadhyay highlighted that as journalism has evolved from print media to various forms, there is a pressing need to amend outdated laws. He urged that journalists should also be involved in this reform process.
He demanded that journalists be granted the same facilities provided to MLAs, ministers, and gazetted officers. He emphasized that journalists gain respect in society only when they remain impartial and work in the nation’s interest. He said journalists play a crucial role in safeguarding democracy. Expressing concern, he noted that journalists are lagging behind in social issues despite acting as a bridge between the people and the government. He attributed this to a lack of unity among journalists. He pointed out that journalists across the country are struggling with financial and job insecurity, and that WJI was founded to fight on their behalf.
He stated that the organization is currently working for journalists’ welfare in 16 states and has members in all states across India. He said WJI is affiliated with BMS at the national level and will soon expand to Nepal as well.
Today: Education Seminar and Awards for Journalists
Nandanam Krupakar, WJI State Honorary President, informed that a national seminar on the topic “National Education Policy-2020 and the Role of Media” will be held on Saturday morning at Osmania University under the aegis of WJI. He also said that at 5 PM, an award ceremony would be held to honor outstanding journalists. State Governor Dr. C.P. Radhakrishnan will be the chief guest at the event (note: the name in Telugu text says Jishnu Dev Varma, but actual current Governor is Radhakrishnan). They requested journalists to attend in large numbers.
WJI State President Rana Pratap, General Secretary Ravikanti Srinivas, Vice Presidents Anil Desai, Siddireddy Srinivasa Reddy, Secretary Kranti, and Hyderabad City President Balakrishna participated in the event.
