Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj assures Action on Journalists’ Demands
The minister expressed concern over the growing influence of TRP-driven journalism and emphasized the need for constructive, development-oriented and ethical reporting
Bhubaneswar: Odisha higher education, sports & youth services, Odia language, literature and culture minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Wednesday assured journalists that the state government would seriously consider their long-pending demands, including legal protection, pension benefits and reconstitution of the press accreditation committee.
Addressing the state executive meeting of the Odisha Union of Journalists (OUJ) and the annual function of the Bhadrak District Journalists’ Union (BUJ) at Bhadrak, the minister said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was aware of the need to safeguard journalists and extend social security measures to them.
“The Chief Minister is conscious of the challenges faced by journalists. I have already discussed these issues with him and received a positive response. I will again take up the matter with him and senior officials,” Suraj said.
The minister expressed concern over the growing influence of TRP-driven journalism and emphasized the need for constructive, development-oriented and ethical reporting.
Journalists in Odisha have been demanding a special law to protect media persons from intimidation, harassment and false implication, along with a pension scheme after the age of 60 and revival of the state press accreditation committee, which has remained defunct for over 18 years.
OUJ state president Prasanna Kumar Mohanty reiterated these demands and urged the government to take concrete steps for their fulfillment. “We hope the government will positively consider the demands of journalists and ensure their welfare and security,” he said.
More than 500 journalists from across the state attended the event. Bhadrak MP Abhimanyu Sethi, Bhandaripokhari MLA Sanjib Mallik and Sunshine Hospital Director Ayaskanta Mohanty attended as guests and highlighted the importance of impartial journalism in a democracy.
Several speakers, including Bhadrak Collector Dr. Dillip Routray, OUJ general secretary Kishan Raut and district office-bearers, stressed the importance of journalistic ethics, credibility and public accountability.
The programme also featured the felicitation of veteran journalists, social workers and distinguished personalities for their contributions to society. Earlier, a technical session of the OUJ reviewed organisational activities and discussed future strategies for strengthening the journalists’ movement in Odisha.
“The minister’s assurance has generated renewed hope among journalists that their long-pending demands may finally receive government attention,” said OUJ general secretary Kishan Rout.
