JNEG demands ‘uniformity’ in the distribution of Govt advertisements, ‘Insurance Scheme’ for journalists

Jammu: A meeting of Jammu Newspapers Editors Guild chaired by Mr Raj Daluja, Chairman (Editor-in-Chief State Times) and by Mr AK Sawhney, President (Chief Patron JOURNEY LINE) was held today and discussed the problems raised by members including distribution of government advertisements by Directorate of Information and Public Relations.

Members also discussed the recent meeting of the JNEG delegation with Mr. Rohit Kansal Comm. Secy Information Department. Mr Raj Daluja, Chairman and by Mr. AK Sawhney, President apprised Mr. Kansal of the arbitrariness, corruption, and other problems being faced by the media fraternity of Jammu.

Mr. Daluja and Mr Sawhney while briefing Mr. Kansal said that there is no uniformity in the distribution of advertisements by the Information Department. The issuance of advertisement reflects malpractices and allotment of Govt advertisements arbitrarily without following any rationale.

They demanded that all policies, rates for advertisements approved by Govt of India should be implemented in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as after 5th August 2019 State Laws regarding Newspapers stand repealed.

They also raised the issue of empanelment of newspapers by Directorate of Information and Public Relations as no new newspaper from Jammu has been empaneled for a long time despite being published regularly.

They also demanded a press colony for Jammu as one in Srinagar and insurance schemes for working Journalists/ reporters/ photographers.

Mr Rohit Kansal gave a patient hearing and assured the delegation the Government will consider the genuine issues raised by them. A memorandum was also submitted to Mr Kansal.

The other members present during the presser were Mr Ram Kumar Dubey (Editor Kattu Satya), Mr Subash Mehra (Editor Jammu Jotting), Syed Iqbal Kazmi (Editor Daily Udaan), Mr Vijay Gupta (Editor Young Bites), Mr Vishal Chopra (Editor Jammu Metro), Mr Amit Sawhney (Editor Journey Line), Mr. Rajiv Mahajan (Editor Top News) and Mr. Vinod Kumar (Editor Truly Times), Mr Vicky Singh (Editor Khalsa Express), Mr Sanjeev Chadha (Editor Zinda Sach) and Mr. Puneet Arora (Editor Early Post).