Utkal Journalists’ Association Submits Memorandum to Chief Minister Pressing for Fulfilment of Journalists’ Demands

Bhubaneswar, May 09:  Calling it an important initiative for the welfare and protection of journalists, the district unit of the Utkal Sambadika Sangha in Malkangiri submitted a six-point memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi through the District Collector.
The memorandum was submitted under the direction of state president Bibhuti Bhusan Kar and led locally by district president Ashok Mishra.
The association stated that journalists in Odisha have long been facing several administrative and social challenges. It alleged that BJP leaders had earlier promised to fulfil the legitimate demands of journalists while in the opposition, but even after forming the government in the state, those promises are yet to be implemented.
The organisation further claimed that the current Chief Minister had previously supported journalists’ movements while in opposition, but the expected action has not been visible after assuming power.
Among the major demands mentioned in the memorandum were:
Reconstitution of the accreditation committee and amendment of existing rules to provide wider recognition to eligible journalists.
Enactment of a Journalist Protection Act.
Monthly pension of at least ₹15,000 for journalists above 60 years of age.
Establishment of an Odisha Press Academy along with construction of a dedicated building in Bhubaneswar providing affordable accommodation facilities for journalists.
Inclusion of retired journalists and their family members under the Gopabandhu Health Insurance Scheme.
Enhancement of death compensation assistance to ₹10 lakh.
Several office bearers and members of the association, including Hrushikesh Sethi, Balakrishna Pradhan, Bhagaban Sahu, Manoj Saha, Pradeep Kumar Maharana, Gaurishankar Panda, Dilip Pattnaik, Shivnarayan Patra, Manik Bachhad, Rajesh Bepari, Dipanka Halba, M. Chandra Kirtaniya, Surendra Hal Rao, and Naratosh Bala, were present during the submission of the memorandum.
The association urged the state government to fulfil the demands at the earliest and ensure proper safety, dignity, and welfare measures for journalists across Odisha.