IJU calls for uniform working journalists’ pension scheme across the nation, peer supervision over the media of all platforms, print, electronic and digital.

PR, KalimNews, Itanagar, Jan 13: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) on Wednesday called for uniform working journalists’ pension scheme (WJPS) across the India. In its National Executive Meeting (NEC) held at Itanagar which was organised by the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) in collaboration with Arunachal Press Club (APC), the IJU called upon the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at centre to introduce a uniform WJPS across the country. 

“The various State governments have introduced pension schemes for journalists, such as Arunachal Pradesh Rs 25,000, the highest amount given and there is Assam and Karnataka giving Rs 10,000, Manipur Rs 8,000 for retired journalists. At the same time, Odisha government has introduced Medical Coverage of Rs. 5 lakh to working journalists and their families in the State” the IJU stated in its resolution. 

The Indian largest working journalists organization further stated that the journalists, who carry out their duties to keep the public informed, are ill-paid and an overworked lot. The working and economic condition of the journalists in semi-urban and rural areas is therefore miserable. It further urged all State governments, which are yet to implement pension scheme for journalists, to immediately take steps to introduce it for all working journalists, irrespective of accreditation.

The IJU also expressed grave concern over the surveillance of at least 40 journalists, among 300 others, including Opposition leaders, ministers, constitutional authorities, activists, through hacking of their phones by Israeli Pegasus spyware.

It is of firm opinion that snooping on journalists, is not just a breach of their right to privacy like any other citizen, but worst compromises their sources, amounting to stifling independent and investigative journalism. 

It makes note that the government chose not to come clean on the issue and tried to wash its hands off the snooping scandal by suggesting the Pegasus report was to ‘malign the Indian democracy.’ This is far-fetched and unacceptable.

The NEC welcomed the probe ordered by the Supreme Court by formation of a three-member committee under a retired Supreme Court judge. While the NEC awaits anxiously the findings of the report, it hopes that the surveillance of journalists is viewed as yet another form of intimidation of journalists, specially those critical of its governance.

Demanding for better and safer working atmosphere for women employees in media houses, IJU NEC demanded the government to make every effort that its guidelines for better and safer working conditions for women are adhered to by institutions and that the sexual harassment policy is endorsed by media houses. 

This is sought as it has come to light that large numbers of women journalists are facing hurdles in carrying out their responsibilities as well skewed policies are impacting their promotion prospects. In particular, the NEC demands that media houses provide maternity leave, child care leave and night transport to women journalists. At the same time, the NEC calls upon all media houses to have in place the mandated Internal Complaints Committee’s to entertain sexual harassment cases and give justice to the victims.

The NEC at Itanagar urged upon the Central government to declare the journalists too as ‘frontline workers’.  It specifically sought to draw New Delhi’s attention to the grim fact that over hundred journalists across the country have lost their lives this past year, 45 alone in the second wave of the pandemic. It is reported only few selected states in India have declared journalists as frontline worker. 

The NEC reiterated its demand that the present Press Council of India be converted into a Media Council with some more statuary powers, so that there is peer supervision over the media of all platforms, print, electronic and digital.  

It also expressed solidarity with Afghan journalists and condemned the sustained attacks on journalists under Taliban regime in Afghanistan. It urged the Central government to provide refuge to Afghan journalists like it did in the past on humanitarian grounds.