People's Democracy

 Scribes Press for Charter of Demands

WHILE speaking to a delegation of journalists of the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) and some other bodies at New Delhi, on January 23, Delhi chief minister Ms Sheila Dikhshit promised that her government would consider the genuine demands of the journalists community. The delegation included the executive members of the DUJ, trustees of the Delhi Media Research Centre, leaders of the Accredited News Cameraman Association, some delegates from newspaper workers’ unions and journalists from TV channels.

During the meeting, DUJ general secretary S K Pande urged the chief minister that there should be a tripartite committee to look into the complaints of non-implementation of wage board and to ensure fair wages and pension. Besides, there should be a press grievance cell to look into cases of unfair labour practices, illegal dismissals and contracts that are tantamount to bondage.

The DUJ made a special plea that the Delhi government should take the lead by announcing a an autonomous Delhi  Media Council and a Delhi Media Commission as the world of media is now extensive and should be self-regulatory. The DUJ also demanded that non-accredited journalists should also get facilities like the CGHS facilities that are being given selectively by some agencies.