NUJ-I Hold National Convention

In the National Convention of the National Union of Journalists (India) held in Jaipur, it was decided to run a campaign against fake news and fake journalists. More than 1500 delegates from 26 states participated in the convention of NUJI, affiliated with the International Federation of Journalists, held on August 26–27, 2023, at Nims University, Jaipur.

BJP National General Secretary Mr. Kailash Vijayvargiya, Union Jal Shakti Minister Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel Mr. Faggan Singh Kulaste, Mahamandaleshwar Daati Maharaj, Nims University Director Dr. Pankaj Singh, etc. presented their views at the inauguration ceremony. The conference was organised by the Journalists Association of Rajasthan.

The National President of NUJI, Ras Bihari, announced the launch of an agitation for financial assistance to small and medium newspapers, the enactment of journalist protection laws, the formation of media councils and commissions, and the formation of media accreditation committees in all states. In the convention, resolutions were passed demanding the restoration of the Working Journalists Act, the restoration of concessions in rail travel to media persons, pension and health insurance for journalists, the security of journalists in rural areas, and the provision of facilities.

Ras Bihari, president of NUJI and the Confederation of Newspapers and News Agency Employees Organisation, announced plans to launch a nationwide agitation for the demands of the media world. He clarified that NUJI’s movement is not against any government; this movement will be about journalism and the determination of policy for the protection, security, livelihood, health of journalists, and decent living of their families. To strengthen democracy, there is a need to save the declining credibility of the media. He said that the credibility of the media is continuously falling due to fake news and fake journalists. At the convention, there was a demand for an effective law against fake news and the creation of the National Register of Journalists to curb fake journalists. At the convention, anger was

expressed over the murder of journalist Vimal Yadav in Bihar.

Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said at the inauguration ceremony of the convention that journalism has a big contribution to keeping India’s culture eternal. Whenever there is an awareness of the decline of culture, then journalism plays the role of public awareness. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is progressing on the path of progress, and today’s youth are excited about this pace. In these situations, journalism should also fulfil its responsibility with honesty and integrity. He said that since the advent of the digital era, there have been many changes in the field of journalism. Today, there is a need for journalists to engage in relevant journalism.

The BJP National General Secretary, Mr. Kailash Vijayvargiya, said that just as the country needs responsible opposition, similarly, society also needs responsible journalists. He also took a jibe at journalists running anti-national campaigns ranging from fake news to taking funds from abroad and said that honest journalists should reveal accurate facts. Appreciating NUJI’s campaign against fake news supported the demands of media persons. Minister of State for Rural Development and Steel Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste said that the media has a big role in strengthening democracy.

Mahamandaleshwar Daati Maharaj said that the judiciary, legislature, and executive are considered important in a democracy. It is the work of journalism to strengthen these three pillars. Only through conscious journalism does the nation remain strong and united, and only an organised nation moves forward on the path of development. He said that journalism has always been a medium for the welfare of the poor.

The editor-in-chief of First India Channel and former IAS, Mr. Pawan Arora, describing the real pain of the journalist, said that even though he was an officer, he used to worry about the fact that even if the journalist gets respect, he does not get the minimum honorarium.

Former State President of Senior Journalist Jar and Editor-in-Chief of Mahanagar Times, Gopal Sharma, called upon the journalists to unite and said that it has become necessary for the journalist to recognise the value of his pen and the power of his unity. Dr. Pankaj, Director of NIMS Hospital and University, said that a journalist is a person who thinks about the smallest person and has sensitivity towards him. The closing ceremony was addressed by former Rajasthan BJP President, Mr. Satish Poonia. Expressing concern, Poonia said that even after independence, journalists are struggling for security; it is really a matter of deep concern.

At the session, NUJI General Secretary Mr. Pradeep Tiwari shared his vision of formulating a strategy to run an agitation in support of the demands of the media world. He was joined by esteemed members of the Press Council of India Pragyanand Chowdhary, Prasanna Mohanty, Former President Upalla Laxman, NUJ Treasurer Dr. Arvind Singh, Vice President Kamalkant Upamanyu, Bhupen Goswami, and Ranesh Rana; who all addressed the audience. Rakesh Sharma, the convenor of the convention and former president of JAR, welcomed all the guests and shared his idea of launching a vigorous campaign regarding the demands of journalists in Rajasthan. Senior journalist Jagdish Sharma presented a demand letter related to the demands of rural journalists. The session provided a platform for media personnel to voice their grievances and create a collective plan to garner support for their cause.

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National Union of Journalists (India)

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