Indian Journalists Union Observes National Executive Committee Meeting at Itanagar

By Asin Charu

ITANAGAR: Indian Journalists Union (IJU) observed its National Executive Committee Meeting at Banquet Hall, Itanagar on 12 January, 2022. The meeting was organized by Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ)- an affiliated body under IJU, in collaboration with Arunachal Press Club (APC). Delegates across the country attended the meeting to generally address issues affecting journalists, both nationwide and worldwide. Besides IJU appealed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the centre to introduce a nation-wide uniformed working journalists' pension scheme (WJPS).

In depth

One of the main agendas of the meeting was to discuss raging issues such as increased attacks on journalists, freedom of media and misuse of laws in various state governments of India to imprison and embroil journalists in legal cases by relying on the sedition law, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and National Security Act (NSA).

Other major issues discussed in the meeting include, surveillance of journalists, looking into the digital policy by the government that concerns the question of privacy, reaching out to the governments to seek assistance for journalists affected by Covid, since media companies have laid off employees, resulting in job loss and income reductions.

The IJU had written to the central government requesting that it provide stimulus package to the media like it has to the other sectors but, it is yet to be implemented, Sabina Inderjit, Secretary General IJU, briefed the media. A resolution was forwarded to the government compiling issues from journalist pension and corpus funds, to the social support system for the livelihood of journalists, IJU president Geetharta Pathaki, apprised.

Other internal matters as of, what are the major issues in the states, was discussed besides the topic on digitalization of media. “With digital media, young journalists are not particularly joining the trade union movement and as a trade union organization which fights for journalists’ rights and press freedom, we have to ensure young people join the movement,” Secretary General IJU, conveyed.

She further highlighted the distinction between, “Social Media” and “Media.” “Young journalists must understand that the word is “Social media” and not “Media," because when we talk about media, we talk about journalism. It is that you have to present both sides of the story, double check your facts, then go in and write about something.”

“So, when you talk about social media, you have people who pick up their cellphones, then turn themselves into citizen journalists. That is something which has to be dealt with properly. There is an issue in social media but the real media has to be taken up by an ombudsman and by various authorities,” she added.

The session was a beneficial one for the aspiring journalists in the state. Amar Sangno, president, APUWJ conveyed, “I believe our comrades, especially young journalists attending the session would benefit from it. As a part of IJU, we need to stand united whenever press freedom and the freedom of speech is concerned.”

Working Journalists Pension Scheme (WJPS)

Pension for journalists is a long-felt demand for the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ). The reason for the demand, as briefed by APUWJ president Amar Sangno is, for journalists who have dedicated their life to the profession to have the economic means to sustain themselves in their superannuation.

He therefore thanked the state government for enhancing a pension scheme for the proposal of 15-25 thousand. “Law department has granted clearance, and a gadget notification is awaited,” the APUWJ president informed.

As mentioned earlier, IJU appealed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the centre to introduce a nation-wide uniformed working journalists' pension scheme (WJPS). State governments have thus introduced pension schemes for retired journalists in varied amounts, such as Arunachal Pradesh - Rs 25,000, Assam and Karnataka Rs 10,000, and Manipur Rs 8,000. Simultaneously, the Odisha government has introduced Medical Coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs to working journalists and their families, the IJU resolution read.

Meanwhile, Hon’ble minister Bamang Felix informed, the implementation of advertisement policy for digital media, is near implementation and may be expected shortly.