Jammu: In a significant move aimed at addressing pressing issues within the newspaper industry, the Jammu Newspaper Editors Guild formally submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Principal Secretary of the Information Department, Mr. M. Raju (IAS), on Wednesday. The delegation, led by Chairman Raj Daluja and President A.K. Sawhney, outlined key grievances affecting the region’s media landscape.
Other present on the occasion were Munir Ul Islam Secretary Information Department, Mr. Nitish Rajora, (IAS) Director Information, Mr. Atul Gupta (JKAS) Joint Director Information (Jammu) amongst others.
The memorandum highlights the critical role newspapers play as a bridge between the government and the public, emphasizing their importance in fostering accountability and informed dialogue within the democratic framework.
Among the main concerns raised were the longstanding advertisement rates, which have not been revised since Jammu and Kashmir’s transition to a Union Territory on August 5, 2019. The Guild urged the government to align these rates with national standards to provide equitable support to all newspapers operating in the region.
Additionally, the Guild called for the issuance of official accreditation cards to journalists and editors to recognize their professional status and facilitate their work. The need for regular committee meetings to address pending empanelment issues was also stressed, ensuring timely acknowledgment of deserving publications.
The memorandum further requested the establishment of printing support facilities in Srinagar and improved office infrastructure in Jammu, along with a commitment to timely government advertisement payments within 45 days.
The memorandum was supported by including General Secretary Iqbal Kazmi (Editor, Udaan Urdu), Senior Vice President Vijay Gupta (Editor, Young Bites), Chief Spokesperson Vishal Chopra (Editor, Jammu Metro), Vice President Ram Kumar Dubey (Editor, Kattu Sattya), Secretary Vinod Kumar (Editor, Truly Times), Cashier Puneet Arora (Editor, Early Post), Media Incharge Abhishek Kapoor (Editor, Daily Reality Speaks), Amit Sawhney (Editor Journey Line) Abhinav Suri (Bureau Chief Danik Savera National Hindi Daily Newspaper), Rajni Sharma (Editor Daily North In News), Anshuman (Editor Daily Rural Message), Sanjeev Chadha (Editor Daily Zinda Sach), Abhishek Koushal (Editor Daily Complete News), Dr. Peter Andres (Editor Bold News), Vicky Khalsa (Editor Daily Khalsa Express) amongst others.
The Principal Secretary of the Information Department, Mr. M. Raju (IAS), listened to the Jammu Newspaper Editors Guild (JNEG) delegation and assured them that their suggestions would be thoroughly considered and addressed in a phased manner.
The Guild expressed optimism for a constructive dialogue with the government, aiming to enhance the operational environment for the newspaper industry in Jammu and Kashmir.
