J&K's Senior Scribes Call for Urgent Social Security Framework
Ashwani Kumar, President of JKAJA, said journalists have devoted their lives to strengthening democracy through fearless reporting despite working in most difficult and life-threatening conditions, yet many—especially retirees—continue to suffer financial distress, health vulnerabilities and institutional neglect
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Accredited Journalists Association (JKAJA) has urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to immediately establish a comprehensive social security system for working and retired journalists. The Association pressed for the implementation of a long‑pending Journalists Welfare Fund Scheme, introduction of a monthly pension, constitution of a J&K Media Commission, and formation of a fresh Accreditation Committee.
Ashwani Kumar, President of JKAJA, said journalists have devoted their lives to strengthening democracy through fearless reporting despite working in most difficult and life-threatening conditions, yet many—especially retirees—continue to suffer financial distress, health vulnerabilities and institutional neglect. He stressed that journalism is not just a profession but a core pillar of constitutional democracy, and safeguarding journalists’ welfare is essential to protecting press freedom.
He noted that retired journalists in J&K face alarming hardships, with no structured pension, health insurance or institutional support. Unlike other professions that ensure retirement security, senior journalists often struggle with falling incomes, rising medical costs and age‑related health issues. Kumar added that increasing legal intimidation, harassment and professional insecurity have made it imperative for the government to create mechanisms that protect the dignity and safety of media professionals.
The Association appealed for a State Journalists’ Pension Scheme with a minimum monthly pension of ₹20,000 for accredited working and retired journalists. It also sought inclusion of journalists in a subsidised government healthcare scheme similar to Kerala’s MEDISEP, ensuring affordable medical care for retirees and their spouses.
JKAJA further demanded revival of the J&K Journalists Welfare Fund—originally sanctioned with ₹2 crore during the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP government but stalled after its collapse—to support journalists during medical emergencies, housing crises and other hardships. To sustain the fund, it proposed earmarking 10 percent of the government’s advertisement budget until media organisations establish their own social security systems.
Kumar also called for a J&K Media Commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, with representation from journalists, retired media professionals, media managements and the government. The Commission would study structural challenges in the media sector and recommend long‑term reforms, including social security measures, he said.
He said the continued neglect of retired journalists reflects poorly on society’s commitment to democratic values and press freedom. “Those who dedicated their lives to public service”, he emphasised, “must be ensured dignity, security and respect in their later years.”
