Odisha Govt Weighs Pension Scheme, Legal Safeguards For Journalists
“The Odisha government is committed to ensuring the social security of journalists. Pension is a genuine and long-pending demand of the fraternity, and the process is now in its final phase”: State law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan
BHUBANESWAR: In a significant move aimed at strengthening social security for media professionals, the Odisha government is actively considering the introduction of a pension scheme for journalists, along with legal safeguards for the profession and the revival of the state’s accreditation committee.
State law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the proposal for a journalist pension scheme has reached an advanced stage and would soon be given final shape. He was addressing a large gathering of journalists at a programme organised by the Odisha Union of Journalists (OUJ) here on Friday.
“The Odisha government is committed to ensuring the social security of journalists. Pension is a genuine and long-pending demand of the fraternity, and the process is now in its final phase,” Harichandan said.
The minister also announced a substantial reduction in room rent at Works Department inspection bungalows—from Rs 900 to Rs 300—a move aimed at easing logistical costs for journalists during official assignments.
Echoing the government’s outreach to the media community, Higher Education and Culture Minister Suryabamshi Suraj said the state was exploring collaboration with journalists to promote and preserve Odia language and culture, which he said are facing challenges amid rapid technological changes.
“In the age of digital tools and new media, the original fragrance of Odia language and culture needs conscious protection. Journalists can play a vital role in this effort,” Suraj said.
Leaders cutting across party lines lauded the role of journalists in a democratic society. Bargarh Lok Sabha MP Pradeep Purohit praised Odisha’s journalists for upholding the sanctity and ethical foundations of the profession, while Bhubaneswar Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena described them as “conscience keepers” who guide governance and help shape informed public opinion.
OUJ president Prasanna Mohanty welcomed the government’s assurances, calling them a positive signal for the journalistic community. OUJ general secretary Kishan Rout, vice-president Parikshita Biswal, and researcher AK Sahoo also addressed the gathering.
The event also saw the felicitation of eminent personalities from the fields of cinema, education, journalism and social service, including filmmaker Dr Abhaya Kumar Pati, educationist Dr Alok Kumar Kar, journalists Soumyaranjan Sahoo, Naba Kishore Sahoo, Bibartan Panda and Ajit Kumar Dhar, and social workers Bhairab Chandra Sethi and Chittaranjan Behera. Newly elected OUJ office-bearers were also honoured on the occasion.