Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 8: Minister for Information Choudhary Zulfkar Ali today said that various welfare schemes for working journalists in Jammu and Kashmir were in the pipeline and the same would be announced very soon.
While interacting with media persons at ‘Meet The Press’ programme, organized by the Press Club of Jammu, the Minister made specific mentions of some welfare schemes like pension for journalists post retirement, Health insurance cover, welfare fund for working and accredited journalists, etc and said that he would take up the matter with the Chief Minister so that a comprehensive policy can be framed and implemented soon.
The Minister also lauded the Press Club Jammu managements committee for their efforts in uplifting the standard of the body as it has been raised as an institution of think tanks, who are not only nurturing the budding journalists with their experience but also helping in the development of the State by their constructive ideologies.
“Journalists are facing tough challenges in the field in the State having tough terrain, climatic conditions and security threat, I assure you that the Government is aware of your difficulties. We will frame a policy and take others measures into consideration for the welfare of the fraternity,” he said.
Acknowledging the contribution of fourth pillar of the State, Choudhary also appealed the journalistic community to portray good picture of Jammu and Kashmir leaving aside some ‘disturbed’ parts in the region.
In response to a query on some social media groups circulating fake news, the Minister hinted at tightening noose against them. He also asked his subordinates to keep check on newspapers not subscribing news agencies but publishing their news items without giving credit.
Earlier, president Press Club of Jammu, Ashwani Kumar put forth before the Information Minister challenges and difficulties being faced by the working journalists and requested him to look into measures in the interest of men.
He apprised him of developmental schemes and said, “Press Club Jammu is the only Club in the State providing insurance cover to journalists in the time of crisis and we want that the Government should also come forward so that the journalists have secure and safe future.”
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