Jammu Newspapers Editors Guild hoists National Flag, voices press concerns

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: The Jammu Newspapers Editors Guild marked the national occasion by hoisting the National Flag in Jammu with full enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. The event reflected the Guild’s continued commitment to democratic values, constitutional principles, and the role of a free and responsible press in a vibrant republic. Media persons from across the region gathered to witness the ceremony, which stood as a reminder that freedom of expression and the dignity of the press are inseparable from the idea of India.

Addressing the media, JNEG President A K Sawhney Advocate recalled the Guild’s sustained efforts over the last fifteen years to raise the voice of the people strictly within the scope of the Constitution of India. He emphasized that the Constitution not only guarantees Fundamental Rights but also lays down Fundamental Duties, and the press plays a vital role in balancing both. According to him, the Guild has consistently highlighted public issues, governance gaps, and concerns of the media fraternity through memoranda and representations submitted to government authorities from time to time.
A major issue highlighted during the address was the persistent discrimination faced by newspapers and media houses in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory with regard to advertisement rates. It was pointed out that despite being a Union Territory, Jammu and Kashmir does not receive advertisement rates at par with other Union Territories of India. This disparity, the Guild maintained, is unwarranted and unjustified. Equal status must translate into equal treatment, especially when media organizations are expected to function as pillars of democracy.
The problem of delayed payments of advertisement bills was also raised with seriousness. Non budgetary advertisement bills are either not paid at all or are cleared after inordinate delays, creating severe financial stress for press establishments. The Guild demanded that all advertisements be made budgetary in nature and that the Information Department of Jammu and Kashmir be made solely responsible for clearing all payments within forty days. Such a mechanism, if institutionalized, would bring transparency, accountability, and financial stability to the media sector.
The editorial concern extended beyond management to employees working in press organizations. Newspapers are not just institutions but workplaces where journalists, printers, designers, and support staff depend on regular salaries. With the cost of newsprint and other materials rising at a very fast pace, press managements are finding it increasingly difficult to meet operational expenses. Delayed payments directly affect the ability of newspapers to pay their employees on time, creating anxiety and insecurity among workers. The Guild stressed that timely and regular payments must be ensured so that the press can function without undue pressure.
In this context, the Jammu Newspapers Editors Guild clarified its decision not to participate in the official government function on the Twenty Sixth of January. This decision was not taken lightly, nor was it against the spirit of the national celebration. It was a symbolic expression of protest against continued neglect of genuine issues faced by the media in Jammu. The message was clear that the media of Jammu cannot be taken for granted.
The Guild reminded the authorities that India is a welfare state, and in a welfare state even small problems deserve prompt attention. Issues pertaining to the press may appear minor in the larger administrative framework, but their impact on democracy is significant. A financially strained and ignored press cannot effectively serve society. Resolving these concerns swiftly would strengthen not only the media but also public trust in governance, Raj Daluja Editor-in-Chief STATE TIMES and Chairman of JNEG said.
The flag hoisting ceremony became more than a ritual. It turned into a reaffirmation of constitutional values democratic responsibility, and the urgent need to protect the independence and sustainability of the press in Jammu and Kashmir. Kazmi Editor in Chief Uddan and Gen. Secretary Of JNEG supported the view point.
Vishal Chopra Chief Spokesperson and editor in chief Jammu Metro Daily National Newspaper and supported the view point expressed by all JNEG members . Vinod Kumar Vice President and Editor in Chief Truly Times daily , Ram Kumar Dubey Sr. Vice President JNEG and Editor In Chief Kattu Staya Daily , Sanjeev Chadha Secretary JNEG and Editor in Chief Zinda Sach Hindi Daily Puneet Arora Cashier JNEG and Editor in Chief Early post , Amit Sawhney Secretary JNEG and Editor Journey line daily , Abhishek Kapoor Media incharge JNEG and Editor in Chief Reality Speaks , Ankush Mahajan Secretary JNEG and Editor in Chief Jammu Bulletin, Vicky Khalsa Editor in Chief Khalsa Express Daily and member JNEG, Gurmeet Dutta editor Pehle Janta digital and member JNEG , Rohit Mahajan Editor in Chief Degree Media News and member JNEG And all other members of JNEG Supported the move.