IJU steps up for journos' rights, safety, press freedom
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 19 2025: Indian Journalists Union (IJU), at its National Executive Committee meeting held online on Saturday, passed four major resolutions to address urgent concerns related to journalists' welfare, safety, and freedom of the press in India.

The Union urged the Centre, state governments, and relevant authorities to act immediately to protect the rights and dignity of journalists, whom it called the cornerstone of Indian democracy.

IJU strongly demanded the reinstatement of railway fare concessions for both accredited journalists and senior citizens.

The concessions, 50 per cent for journalists and 40 per cent for senior citizens, were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and have yet to be restored.

IJU president and former Press Council of India member Geetartha Pathak said that journalists play a crucial role in informing citizens and upholding democratic values, while senior citizens deserve continued access to affordable public transportation.

"Denying these concessions undermines their contributions to society," he said.

Raising alarm over the deteriorating state of press freedom in Jammu & Kashmir, IJU said that journalists in the region continue to face harassment, arbitrary arrests, prolonged interrogations and financial pressure through the denial of government advertisements.

Pathak said that the systematic suppression of media voices in Jammu & Kashmir amounted to a direct attack on democratic rights and freedom of expression.

"The government must stop treating the press as an adversary and uphold constitutional guarantees of free speech," he added.

IJU secretary general Sabina In-derjit said that the climate of fear in the region has been worsened by institutional targeting and economic throttling of the local media.

"We demand an immediate end to the harassment of journalists in Jammu & Kashmir, restoration of government ads, and implementation of the Press Council of India's recommendations," she said.

IJU also called for the implementation of a uniform pension policy for journalists across all states, proposing a minimum monthly pension of Rs 25,000 and a standard eligibility criteria of 10 years of professional service.

Inderjit said that journalists risk their lives to protect democratic values and truth and that a dignified pension was not a charity but an essential right.

The Union urged the Centre to frame a model pension guideline in consultation with stakeholders and called on all state governments to implement journalist pension schemes accordingly.

Highlighting the increasing incidents of threats, harassment, online trolling, and even murders of journalists in different parts of the country, IJU urged all states to enact a Journalists' Safety and Security Act.

The Union cited the Maharashtra Journalists' Protection Act as a model and urged the central government to introduce national legislation to ensure uniform safeguards for journalists across the country.

"Journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear or favour," Pathak said.

"A national law is essential to protect the constitutional right to freedom of speech and press".

IJU reaffirmed its commitment to campaigning for press freedom and the rights of journalists at national and international forums.

It vowed to continue its efforts to ensure that protective laws and policies are en acted to uphold the principles of free and fair journalism in India.

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