Dehradun, November 14:
In a robust call for safeguarding press freedom, Indian Journalists Union (IJU) President K. Srinivas Reddy urged the enactment of a special protection law for journalists during the IJU executive meeting in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. The meeting, which began on Thursday, saw an enthusiastic gathering of media representatives, with Uttarakhand State Forest Minister Subodh Aniyal attending as the chief guest.

Opening the session, Srinivas Reddy underscored the increasing dangers and challenges faced by journalists across India. He lamented the absence of sufficient legal protection for members of the press and emphasized that the issue has become a critical concern within the journalist community. “There is a pressing need for a special protection law to safeguard journalists, who often risk their lives to report the truth,” Reddy stated. He highlighted that various forms of agitation have already been undertaken by journalist groups nationwide to draw attention to this need, but there has been little response from the government.

Reddy expressed disappointment with the government's rhetoric on press freedom, noting the lack of concrete steps toward enacting a protection law. He pointed out that while officials profess commitment to journalists’ rights, their actions suggest otherwise. The weakening of the Working Journalists Act of 1955 through the codification of labor laws has further exacerbated the situation. “Instead of strengthening the law that protects journalists, the government has taken steps to dilute it. This is not only alarming but also unacceptable,” he asserted.

The IJU President emphasized that the newly introduced labor bills do not adequately address the needs and safety of journalists. On the contrary, the changes appear to strip away critical protections and benefits that were previously enshrined in law. According to Reddy, the journalist community has been vocally opposing these changes, organizing protests and agitations to demand that their voices be heard. “If a new law is introduced to replace the previous one, it should bring more benefits and stronger protections for journalists, not fewer,” he argued.

Reddy's remarks underscored the IJU's commitment to standing up for journalists' rights and ensuring their safety in a rapidly changing and often hostile environment. He called upon the government to engage meaningfully with journalist representatives and craft legislation that reflects the realities and risks faced by media professionals. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the IJU to continue its advocacy and mobilization efforts until meaningful protections are secured for journalists across the country.