Guwahati: The Assam Union of Working Journalists (AUWJ) has welcomed the reported announcement by the West Bengal government on welfare measures for journalists and urged the Assam government to introduce similar benefits for scribes in the state.
The AUWJ, led by president Madhusudan Medhi and general secretary Anjan Kumar Sharma, said welfare measures such as health insurance, a one-time Durga Puja bonus and a monthly pension for retired journalists would provide greater social security to members of the profession.
The association has urged Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to consider similar measures in recognition of the contribution made by journalists to society.
According to the AUWJ, journalists work under demanding conditions to report government programmes and public issues and bring people’s grievances to the attention of the authorities. The organisation said many journalists in Assam still do not receive adequate welfare and other benefits.
The Assam government introduced a pension scheme for retired journalists in 2017. The AUWJ has now called for an increase in both the number of beneficiaries and the pension amount.
The association said the present limit of a maximum of 20 beneficiaries a year should be increased. It has also sought an increase in the existing ₹8,000 monthly pension and the introduction of a comprehensive health insurance scheme for working journalists.
The demands highlight a wider issue concerning social security for journalists, particularly those working in the private and smaller media sectors where employment benefits can vary significantly.
The AUWJ has also raised concerns over the non-issuance of identity cards by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to some journalists despite submission of the required documents.
The association further claimed that several committees under the DIPR dealing with media-related matters have not held regular meetings for a long period. It has suggested that such committees be dissolved and reconstituted.
The demands come at a time when journalists are increasingly seeking stronger institutional support for health, retirement and professional security.
While welfare policies differ from state to state, the AUWJ’s appeal has brought attention to the need for a more comprehensive support system for journalists in Assam. The key issue now is whether the state government will consider expanding existing welfare measures and addressing the concerns raised by the journalists’ body.
