A Call for National Consensus
Satyawan Saurabh
In a country where journalists play a pivotal role in upholding democracy and advocating for the rights of the marginalized, the absence of a uniform pension scheme for journalists across India remains a glaring issue. While some states, such as Haryana, have implemented pension schemes for journalists, the eligibility criteria are often restrictive, leaving many veteran journalists without financial security in their later years. It is high time for the government to establish a national framework to ensure that all journalists, regardless of their location or recognition status, receive a dignified pension upon retirement.
Current Challenges in Journalist Pension Schemes
In Haryana, for instance, journalists are required to have 20 years of work experience and five years of government recognition to qualify for a pension. This stringent criterion excludes many senior journalists who have dedicated decades to the profession but lack formal recognition. For example, journalists who have worked for 30 to 40 years in newspapers but were not recognized by the Haryana government for five consecutive years are denied any pension benefits. This has left a significant number of veteran journalists in financial distress post-retirement.
Moreover, the lack of a standardized national policy has resulted in fragmented and inconsistent pension schemes across states. While some states provide pensions to journalists, others offer no such benefits. This disparity highlights the need for a centralized approach to address the issue comprehensively.
The Need for a National Framework
To ensure equitable treatment, the government should form a national task force to study the pension policies of both the central and state governments. This task force should recommend a uniform pension scheme that guarantees a respectable pension to all journalists who reach the age of 60, irrespective of their recognition status. The eligibility criteria should be relaxed, with work experience being the primary consideration. For instance, journalists with at least 10 years of experience should be eligible for pensions based on affidavits, similar to the Journalist Insurance Scheme.
Additionally, the government should recognize journalists at the tehsil and block levels, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that those working in smaller towns and villages are not excluded from such benefits. The Department of Labour Resources should also include journalists in the list of skilled workers, acknowledging their contributions to content creation and news dissemination.
Broader Social Security Measures for Journalists
Beyond pensions, journalists urgently need access to medical facilities, security, and press accreditation, especially for desk workers. Rural journalists, in particular, face challenges in gaining formal recognition, which limits their access to benefits. The government should amend its gazette to include rural journalists and ensure they are recognized as skilled professionals.
Furthermore, the establishment of media centers in each district would provide journalists with the infrastructure needed to perform their duties without hindrance. Free transportation in government buses and insurance programs tailored for journalists should also be implemented to support their well-being.
A Call for Justice and Equity
The current system, where some individuals receive multiple pensions (such as MLAs and MPs) while others, like journalists, struggle to secure even a basic pension, raises questions of fairness. Journalists often risk their lives to report on critical issues, advocate for the oppressed, and hold power to account. Yet, they are frequently overlooked when it comes to social security measures.
Senior journalists, many of whom are unable to earn a regular income post-retirement, often face financial hardships. Without adequate support from their families or the government, they are left to fend for themselves in their twilight years. This not only affects their quality of life but also leads to familial discord in many cases.
Proposed Solutions
1. Relax Eligibility Criteria: The requirement for government recognition should be eliminated, and pensions should be granted based on work experience and age (60 years). Affidavits and records from the District Information Public Relations Department should suffice as proof of work experience.
2. National Task Force: A centralized body should be established to research and harmonize pension schemes across states, ensuring a uniform and dignified pension for all journalists.
3. Recognition of Rural Journalists: The government should expand its gazette to include rural journalists at the block and tehsil levels, ensuring they are not excluded from benefits.
4. Inclusion in Skilled Workers List: Journalists should be classified as skilled workers under the Labour Resources Department, acknowledging their role in content creation and news production.
5. Comprehensive Social Security: In addition to pensions, journalists should have access to medical facilities, insurance, and security measures to safeguard their well-being.
Conclusion
Journalists are the backbone of a functioning democracy, yet their contributions are often undervalued when it comes to social security. The government must take immediate steps to address this disparity by implementing a uniform pension scheme and broader welfare measures for journalists. By doing so, it will not only honor their service but also ensure that they can retire with dignity and financial stability. The time has come for a national consensus on this issue, one that prioritizes justice and equity for those who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of truth.
Dr. Satyawan Saurabh
Advocate for Journalist Welfare and Social Security
