A three member panel of Press Council of India (PCI) comprising S N Sinha, Suman Gupta and Prakash Dubey today held marathon interaction with representatives of print, electronic and digital media here to know the general scenario and challenges journalist fraternity of the region face while performing their professional duties.Over 12 delegations of newspaper owners, editors, journalist associations, delegation of Press Club Jammu, representatives of print and electronic media and online portals from across Jammu province held detailed discussions on wide ranging aspects, nature, prospects and scope of different modes of journalism in the region.Director Information and Public Relations, Muneer-ul-Islam, Joint Director Headquarters Abdul Majid Zargar, Joint Director Information Jammu, Manisha Sareen, Deputy Director PR Jammu, Avleen Kour and other senior functionaries were also present.
The visiting panel members, all from journalism background, inquired from the delegations about their issues and sought suggestions about the way PCI can help to promote and protect the interests of media organizations, journalists as also raise, maintain and protect dignity of this noble profession by reigning in the vested interests. The media persons sought supportive atmosphere for performing their duty, financial and social security schemes, travel and other relaxation, particularly keeping in view the tough circumstances in which they work in the state.They sought immediate promulgation of Journalists Welfare Fund announced by the government in last budget session. They also demanded implementation of advertisement policy, Medical Insurance and risk cover for the working journalists, pension scheme for journalists, journalists’ protection Act and certain relaxations on the pattern of other states.They also sought check on fake and bogus news being circulated by unregulated news agencies and social media forums.Meanwhile, Director Information also gave detailed resume of how the department acts as an interface between the media and government as also facilitates the journalists in the delivery of their professional duties, disseminate information regarding public welfare policies and programmes.