For the first time Jammu and Kashmir Government has brought journalists under the welfare scheme by setting up an corpus of Rs 2 crore which is a welcome step seeing the shape and health of the industry which is totally in an unorganised sector. During all this strife torn State over decades journalists have been facing hardship but without much relief. The setting up of this corpus would go further in ameliorating the welfare of journalists working in the State. The Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu stating in his budget speech that the legal heirs or dependents of working journalist will be provided assistance from the fund in case of death or incapacitation of the scribe concerned is a visionary concept. With this first step Jammu and Kashmir has joined the bandwagon of other states of the region like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and Union Territory of Chandigarh which are already extending these welfare measures. Himachal Pradesh High Court in its order and Press Council of India have recommended schemes for safety of journalists in all states as per norms of Government of India. Drabu had said, it would be ideal if the journalists of the State get together and set up a society, frame the rules and guidelines for administering this fund which is the baseline for running the scheme successfully considering the scattered nature of the industry in State. The State Government should also take decision to implement the accident insurance scheme for accredited and working journalists up to Rs 10 lakh. Press Club Jammu has also sought permanent pension of Rs 20,000 per month as Pension Scheme for accredited and working journalists with at least 20 years of experience. Introduction of such social welfare schemes would at least imbibe a confidence level for the working journalists in executing their professional jobs and would add some respectability.
