Chandigarh: The Working Journalists of India (WJI) has strongly urged the Central Government to immediately establish the third Media Commission, emphasizing the need to address the evolving landscape of journalism in India. The union also called for the dissolution of the Press Council of India and its replacement with a more comprehensive Media Council.
The demand was made during significant meetings held in Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Unit of WJI convened at Arya Samaj, Sector 7B, while journalists from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh assembled at the Chandigarh Press Club in Sector 27. Both gatherings focused on discussing the challenges faced by journalists in their respective states and reinforcing solidarity within the media fraternity.
During the meetings, union leaders stressed the need for official recognition of journalists working in digital and online media. They also appealed to the government to extend the benefits of official advertisements to digital news portals, which they argued would ensure sustainability and credibility in the rapidly growing digital media space.
WJI National President Sanjay Upadhyay addressed the assembled journalists, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of media professionals. “The Working Journalists of India is the voice of the journalists. We have been continuously raising the issues affecting the media community with the government and will continue to do so with greater force,” he said.
Surendra Verma, Advisor to Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, introduced representatives from different states and facilitated discussions on regional issues. He assured members that the union would prioritize addressing local concerns.
Narendra Bhandari, General Secretary of WJI, highlighted the union’s expansion across several states and reiterated its commitment to a nationalist approach. “The WJI is working in many states now, and our main goal is to find practical solutions to the issues affecting journalists at every level. Every journalist, regardless of their medium, should feel comfortable coming forward with their concerns,” Bhandari stated.
The meeting also saw the formal announcement of the Chandigarh Unit’s office bearers. Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma was elected as the President, and Sunil Kumar was appointed General Secretary. Other key appointments included Ravindra Talvad, Prem Vij, and KK Sharda as Patrons; Prakash Chandra Sharma and Pradeep Shukla as Senior Vice Presidents; Parson Burman as Vice President; Pradeep Sharma as Media Secretary; and Vinay Sharma along with Rakhi as Secretaries. Advocates Davesh Modgil and Karan Shukla were named as Legal Advisors.
A large number of media professionals from the region attended the event, showing strong support for the union’s initiatives. Among those present were Nikhil Kalra, Pravesh Chauhan, Tripti Kiranjit Kaur, Shiv Gautam, Rakesh Walia, JS Sodhi, Rajkumar Verma, Sudhir Sood, Tinku Bhatia, Nitin Garg, Harjinder Singh, Rakesh Pahwa, Vichitra Singh, Shanti Gautam, Umesh Dhiman, Kavita Sharma, Mohit Mahajan, and Anil Kumar.
The dual meetings underscored a unified call for policy reforms and enhanced representation of journalists, especially those working in emerging digital platforms. WJI’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for better working conditions, legal safeguards, and institutional reforms in the media sector.
The WJI plans to continue its outreach across the country, organizing regional meetings and mobilizing support for its core demands, particularly the establishment of a robust Media Council and official recognition of digital journalism
