DH NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Feb 23
In a crucial effort to address the longstanding concerns of the newspaper industry in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu Newspaper Editors Guild (JNEG) submitted a detailed memorandum to the Administrative Secretary of the Information Department, M. Raju (IAS). The delegation, led by Chairman Raj Daluja and President A.K. Sawhney, meticulously outlined the pressing challenges confronting the regional media landscape, urging the government to take prompt and effective measures to ensure the survival and growth of the newspaper industry. The high-profile meeting was attended by several key officials, including Munir Ul Islam, Secretary of the Information Department, Nitish Rajora (IAS), Director of Information, and Atul Gupta (JKAS), Joint Director of Information (Jammu), among others. Their presence underscored the importance of the dialogue, with the JNEG delegation putting forth a well-structured case for immediate policy interventions and support from the administration. The memorandum underscored the indispensable role newspapers play in society, serving as a critical link between the government and the public while upholding the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability. Newspapers, the Guild emphasized, not only act as watchdogs of governance but also facilitate informed public discourse, making their sustenance a matter of paramount importance.
Among the primary concerns raised was the issue of stagnant advertisement rates, which have remained unchanged since Jammu and Kashmir’s transition to a Union Territory on August 5, 2019. The delegation urged the government to revise these rates in accordance with national benchmarks to ensure fair compensation for media houses that rely heavily on advertisements as a revenue source. The Guild emphasized that a failure to adjust these rates would jeopardize the financial sustainability of local newspapers, many of which are already struggling to stay afloat amidst economic uncertainty. Furthermore, the Guild pressed for the issuance of official accreditation cards to journalists and editors, asserting that such recognition would not only validate their professional credentials but also facilitate their work by granting them the necessary access and legitimacy required for reporting. The delegation also stressed the need for periodic committee meetings to expedite the empanelment process of newspapers, ensuring timely recognition and support for deserving publications that have been awaiting approval for extended periods.
A special mention was made regarding first-generation entrepreneurs in the newspaper industry, particularly those who have completed formal journalistic education and are striving to establish their publications against significant financial and operational challenges.
Many of these young editors and journalists are entirely dependent on support from their families, friends, and personal resources, making government recognition through empanelment a crucial factor in their survival.
The Guild urged the administration to prioritize these deserving cases, providing them with much-needed relief and opportunities to thrive in the competitive media landscape.
Another major demand put forth in the memorandum was the establishment of printing support facilities in Srinagar, ensuring that newspapers operating in the Kashmir region have access to modern and efficient printing infrastructure. Additionally, the delegation called for enhanced office infrastructure in Jammu to create a more conducive work environment for media professionals. To further ease financial pressures on newspaper owners, the Guild also sought a commitment from the government to ensure the timely release of advertisement payments within a 45-day timeframe, preventing unnecessary delays that hinder the operational efficiency of media houses.
A noteworthy aspect of the meeting was the constructive engagement of the attending officials, particularly Administrative Secretary M. Raju (IAS), Director Information Nitish Rajora (IAS), and Secretary Information Munir Ul Islam, who actively listened to the concerns raised by the Guild. They assured the delegation that the issues highlighted in the memorandum would be examined with due seriousness and addressed in a structured, phased manner. The officials acknowledged the vital role played by the press in upholding democratic values and assured the Guild that necessary interventions would be undertaken to create a more sustainable and growth-oriented media ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The delegation comprised several prominent media figures, 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 ( Bold News), and Vicky Khalsa (Editor, Daily Khalsa Express), among others.
The Jammu Newspaper Editors Guild expressed optimism regarding the outcome of the meeting and reiterated its commitment to engaging with the government in meaningful dialogue to ensure the protection and advancement of the press industry in the region. The delegation emphasized that a vibrant and independent press is essential for the sustenance of democracy and called upon the government to act decisively in addressing their concerns. With assurances from senior officials, the Guild remains hopeful that the necessary steps will be taken to create a more supportive and thriving media environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
