DIMAPUR, April 17 (MExN): The Nagaland Press Association (NPA) has asked the state government to formulate issues relating to the welfare of the working journalists and non-working journalists in the state. In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister today, the association said welfare fund from the state for the journalists and non-working journalists need immediate attention. The representation reminded the Chief Minister that on 7th November 2007 he had announced setting up of journalist welfare fund as well as housing colonies for journalists in Dimapur and Kohima as recommended by the state Accreditation Committee which was still pending.
Setting up of such a welfare fund would help the journalists as well as non-journalists employees in the media houses in difficult times such as accidents, medical treatment and even help the family in case of death the representation stated. The association urged state government to take up the matter as announced earlier.
Acknowledging the state government for providing press accreditation to journalists of the state and also professional incentives and facilities being provided to them in recognition of their services, the NPA suggested the Accreditation Committee to reconstitute the committee which would include more senior journalists to make it broader and meaningful. It said the committee which would include more senior journalists would not only help in formulating policies for the media but also would help in weeding out bogus journalists who were enjoying benefits from the government in place of genuine ones.
The NPA also urged government to see that benefits of transport, capital and newsprint subsidies were made available according to the policy of the Centre. The association urged government for early release of advertisement bills and that all advertisements be channelised through the Department of Information and Public Relations.
