Bartajeevi Sangha Calls for Enhanced Security and Welfare for Assam Journalists
Dhubri, June 30, 2024: The state government must ensure the safety and security of 40,000 journalists and media personnel in Assam, according to Mukut Raj Sharma, General Secretary of the Asom Bartajeevi Sangha. Speaking at the biennial session of the Dhubri District Bartajeevi Sangha, held at the Dhubri Zilla Sahitya Sabha Auditorium on Sunday, Sharma emphasized the need for economic, social, and job security for journalists.
Sharma highlighted the severe exploitation and deprivation faced by journalists in Assam, particularly in rural areas. He pointed out that most journalists are deprived of economic security and have not benefited from any government welfare schemes. Many journalists are in dire financial conditions, especially those far from urban centers, and are excluded from housing schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
The General Secretary demanded several concessions for journalists, including a 50% reduction in electricity charges, waived water charges, and free education for their children scoring over 70%. He also called for the re-opening of the journalist pension scheme, with an increase in pension from Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000. Sharma thanked the state government and Information and Public Relations Minister Piyush Hazarika for reinstating the pension scheme, which had been closed last year.
The meeting, presided over by Asikur Rahman and moderated by Saidur Rahman, was inaugurated by Nabaneeta Kalita, the treasurer of the Asom Bartajeevi Sangha. Various prominent figures spoke at the event, including Dhubri District Information and Public Relations Officer Snigdharani Das, National Council Member Kishore Jyoti Sharma, and President of Dhubri Sahitya Sabha Udayan Chakraborty.
A resolution was adopted during the meeting, calling for the regular payment of salaries to journalists and the enactment of a Protection of Journalists Act. Other proposals included issuing AYUSHMAN cards to journalists’ families and establishing a guest house for journalists in Dhubri.
Distinguished senior journalists Bijay Kumar Sharma, Mahesh Chandra Roy, and Tarkeshwar Pal were felicitated for their contributions to society. Additionally, Rita Das was honored for her work with water hyacinth products and social worker Dipankar Majumdar for his contribution to the Dhubri District.
In a separate meeting chaired by Asikur Rahman, Asikur Rahman was re-elected as president, with Pranavashish Roy of The Daily Janambhumi newspaper as vice-president, Irfan Khondker of The Assam Tribune as general secretary, and other key positions filled by Jitumoni Das, Saidur Rahman, and Mehtab Uddin Ahmed, as Assistant Secretary, Organising Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
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