On the occasion of May Day and to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for the working class, the Chandigarh-Punjab Union of Journalists (CPUJ) organized a rally at Sector-17 Plaza. On this occasion, a large number of journalists joined hands to form a human chain and emphasized their genuine demands.
Addressing the rally, CPUJ President Vinod Kohli demanded a revision in the salaries of working journalists. The last revision was made in 2011. Since then, the cost of living has increased manifold. He also demanded that the name of the Press Council of India be changed to the “Media Council” and that electronic media be brought within its purview. He said this would help resolve issues related to the electronic media.
The Union also urged the Chandigarh Administration to start a pension scheme for journalists, including desk journalists, on the lines of other states. Furthermore, they demanded that the free travel facility in CTU buses be extended to long-route buses as well. Kohli also called on the Punjab Government to implement all previously accepted demands, including toll tax exemption for all journalists.