WJI Urges Telangana Govt To Expedite Accreditation Policy For Journalists

The Working Journalists of India urges Telangana government to implement long-pending accreditation policy and demands benefits like health insurance, travel concessions, and financial support for journalists.

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Hyderabad: The Working Journalists of India (WJI) has called on the Telangana government to immediately announce and implement the long-pending accreditation policy for journalists. Addressing a press conference at the Somajiguda Press Club in Hyderabad on Friday, WJI National President Sanjay Upadhyay criticized the delay in finalizing the accreditation process, saying eligible journalists have been waiting for over a year without clarity or access to official ID cards.

Upadhyay stressed the urgent need to simplify and streamline the accreditation process, ensuring that all eligible journalists are issued their cards without further delay. He pointed out that the delay was unjust and unfair to the journalist community, who have continued to work without proper recognition or support.

As part of his Telangana tour, Upadhyay stated that the WJI would soon submit a formal representation to the Chief Minister, highlighting the pressing issues faced by journalists in the state. These include demands for comprehensive health insurance, access to free treatment in hospitals, issuance of health cards, and financial support. He also emphasized the need for travel concessions on trains and flights, and full exemption from toll charges for accredited journalists.

Upadhyay announced that a large-scale rally will be organized in Delhi this September to present the WJI’s demands directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The rally is expected to gather journalists from across India in a show of solidarity.

Highlighting the evolution of journalism from traditional print to digital platforms, Upadhyay said that existing media laws are outdated and must be revised to reflect current realities. He urged that journalists be included in the law reform process to ensure policies are practical and inclusive.

He further demanded that journalists be granted facilities equivalent to those provided to MLAs, ministers, and gazetted officers. Stressing the vital role of journalism in a democracy, Upadhyay said journalists must be respected as pillars of public service, particularly when they uphold neutrality and act in the nation’s interest.

Expressing concern over the socio-economic challenges journalists face, Upadhyay said that despite being the link between the public and the government, journalists often lack the social status and protections they deserve. He blamed this partly on a lack of unity within the media community and called for greater collaboration to address common struggles such as job insecurity and low wages.

He noted that the WJI, established to protect journalists’ rights and welfare, is currently active in 16 states and has members in all Indian states. The organization is affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) at the national level and has plans to expand its reach to neighboring countries like Nepal.

Education Policy Seminar and Journalism Awards Today

WJI Telangana State Honorary President Nandanam Krupakar announced that a national seminar on the “National Education Policy-2020 and the Role of Media” will be held on Saturday morning at Osmania University. The seminar is being organized under the aegis of the WJI and aims to explore how the media can contribute to the effective implementation of the new education policy.

Later in the evening, an award ceremony will be held at 5 PM to recognize and honor distinguished journalists for their outstanding contributions to the field. Telangana Governor Dr. C.P. Radhakrishnan is expected to attend the event as the chief guest (note: the Telugu version had mistakenly mentioned Jishnu Dev Varma as the Governor).

Krupakar extended an open invitation to all journalists to participate in both events and called for their active involvement in discussions about media’s evolving responsibilities.

Other key WJI members present at the press meet included State President Rana Pratap, General Secretary Ravikanti Srinivas, Vice Presidents Anil Desai and Siddireddy Srinivasa Reddy, Secretary Kranti, and Hyderabad City President Balakrishna.

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