Odisha CM Mohan Majhi assures OUJ delegation for fulfillment of demands

By Kambu Dhar Kheti

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22: The Odisha Union of Journalists (OUJ), led by its president Prasanna Kumar Mohanty, staged a dharna in front of the State Assembly on Monday pressing for a law to ensure the protection of journalists, pension after retirement, and revival of the accreditation committee.

More than 500 journalists from 31 organisational districts joined the protest. Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress legislators also visited the venue and expressed solidarity with the journalists’ demands.

The protesting scribes voiced their discontent over the prolonged delay in addressing their concerns and vowed to continue their agitation until concrete steps were taken.

Later in the day, an OUJ delegation headed by president Mohanty met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and submitted a memorandum. Citing welfare and protection measures already implemented in 18 other states, the memorandum urged the CM to act swiftly in Odisha.

Responding to the delegation, the Chief Minister assured that the government was sympathetic to the demands and would take appropriate measures at the earliest.

The delegation also included OUJ general secretary Kambupani Mishra, national executive members Akshaya Kumar Sahoo and Abhaya Pati, and Parikhita Biswal.

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Photograph: OUJ delegation submitting a memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi (left) and journalists sitting on a dharna at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, in front of Assembly, on Monday.