Journalists’ demands remain unmet; OUJ announces statewide protest on May Day
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, April 5: Expressing strong resentment over the alleged inaction of the state government in addressing key demands of journalists, the Odisha Union of Journalists on Saturday announced a statewide protest on the occasion of May Day.
The decision was taken at a meeting of office-bearers and senior members of the union held at the OUJ state office on Sunday. The union voiced concern that despite repeated appeals to the government, no concrete steps have been taken to resolve long-pending issues concerning journalists.
Presiding over the meeting, OUJ state president Prasanna Mohanty said that although there has been a change in governance following the recent elections, the condition of journalists remains largely unchanged. He alleged that the failure to fulfil promises made to journalists during the elections reflects a lack of commitment and amounts to betrayal.
The union highlighted several pressing concerns, including the absence of an accreditation committee in the state for the past 18 years, non-implementation of a pension scheme for journalists—despite its existence in 18 other states—and the rising incidents of attacks on media personnel. The lack of a dedicated safety mechanism for journalists, particularly women journalists, and the exclusion of many applicants from health insurance coverage were also flagged as major issues.
As part of the protest, journalists across the state will wear black badges on May Day and stage demonstrations to press for their demands.
OUJ general secretary Kishan Kumar Rout criticised what he termed as the government’s “anti-journalist attitude” and warned of intensified agitation in the coming days if the demands are not addressed.
Several senior members, including vice-president Santosh Kumar Singh Deo, treasurer Amulya Kumar Swain, secretary Deba Prasad Dash, Rituraj Singh, Aditya Mekap, Rabindranath Mallick Mahakud, Loknath Singh, Sand national executive members such as Akshaya Kumar Sahoo and Pramod Kumar Samantaray, Jitendra Patnaik, Rupesh Kumar Sahoo, Rajib Mohanty, Niranjan Panda, Swati Jena and Chinmay Mohapatra among others, participated in the discussion and urged the government to act promptly.
The meeting also demanded simplification of entry procedures at Lok Seva Bhawan, immediate implementation of previously announced benefits, and swift accreditation for all eligible journalists through the constitution of a committee.
The union warned that if the government fails to respond despite the proposed protest, it would escalate the agitation in the days ahead.
