JAMMU: Print & Electronic Media Association, J&K on Monday sought financial assistance for journalists similar to announced by Lt Governor J&K Manoj Sinha for senior citizens and others today.
The Association apprised the Lt Governor J&K Manoj Sinha that all the journalists and photojournalists who are bringing every news, order, and program before the public are living in financial distress, they are facing a lot of problems due to coronavirus Lockdown in the J&K.
It has also apprised the Lt Governor J&K that all the accredited and non-accredited journalists are severely hit due to ongoing coronavirus lockdown for the second year.
The Print and Electronic Media Association, J&K urged the Lt Governor to urgently sanctioned financial assistance for the journalists who are solely dependent on salary. Nowadays they are the worst hit due to lockdown.
In his address, Sudhir Kumar told that since the journalists are working shoulder to shoulder along with J&K Govt and helping the govt’s that its day to day advisory, program, and steps to contain virus should reach peoples’ doorsteps. He urged Lt Governor J&K to declare journalists are as covid frontline warriors. All journalism must be given free medical treatment and tests if unfortunately, any accredited journalist tested positive in J&K.
He urged the J&K government to take this as a special case for accredited journalists and Also non-accredited journalists and provide a financial package similar to what has been announced for the senior citizens and others today.
Earlier, all the journalists after following SoPs and COVID19 guidelines paid tribute to photojournalist Ashok Sodhi on his death Anniversary in a function held outside Press Club Jammu complex.
Speaking on the occasion, President of the Association Afzal Shah said that Sodhi had attained martyrdom while performing his professional duties during a fierce encounter between police and militants in Samba on May 11, 2009.
President, Print & Electronic Media Association, J&K has also demanded a financial package for the accredited journalists similar to that had been announced for others by the J&K Government.
He also advised all the colleagues to cooperate with govt by following the social distancing and wear masks, besides, wash your hands frequently with sanitizer or soap. Do not touch any railing in any complex, he added.