NUJI holds National Convention
BY OUR STAFF REPORTER
Haridwar, 9 Mar: Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi participated in the two-day National Convention of the National Union of Journalists (India) held here today. During the event, he welcomed journalists from across the country and extended his best wishes to the organisation’s office bearers. The convention witnessed the participation of journalists from 22 states, discussing various issues related to journalism. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also joined the event virtually, congratulating the organisers and reaffirming his commitment to journalists’ welfare.
Addressing the convention, Joshi termed it a “Mahakumbh of Journalists”, stating that this event would send a positive message across the nation and provide new direction to the field of journalism. He emphasised that journalism is the fourth pillar of democracy and plays a crucial role in society. He acknowledged the responsible role of the media both during the pre-independence era and in the present times. He congratulated journalists for their commendable work and assured them of all possible support for their welfare.
Highlighting the state government’s efforts for journalists’ welfare, he shared key initiatives: Financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to nine families of deceased journalists. Medical assistance of Rs 5 lakh to one journalist and pension benefits to five journalists. The corpus fund for journalists’ welfare has been increased from Rs 5 crore to RS 10 crore to benefit more journalists and their families. The process of recognising journalists at the tehsil level is underway, ensuring benefits reach journalists in small towns and rural areas. The quota for journalist accreditation is being expanded to include more journalists.
The implementation of a group insurance scheme for journalists is under consideration to provide health and accident insurance benefits. The pension for senior working journalists has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 per month. A Journalists’ Welfare Fund has been established, which is being raised from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore to offer financial assistance to journalists in distress. Accredited journalists are being provided travel concessions on state transport buses.
Minister Joshi reiterated that journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy, and the government is taking all necessary steps for their well-being.
The event was attended by National Union of Journalists (India) National President Ras Bihari, General Secretary Pradeep Kumar Tiwari, Uttarakhand State President and senior journalist Sunil Dutt Pandey, General Secretary Dr Naveen Joshi, Treasurer Rahul Verma, Chief Coordinator and District President Aadesh Tyagi, Coordinators Ramchandra Kannaujia, Dharmendra Chaudhary, Bhagwan Singh Gangola, District General Secretary Dr Shiva Agrawal, and other office- bearers.
