Deccan News Service I Hyderabad | July 23

Special Commissioner of Information and Public Relations C.H. Priyanka emphasized that journalism is the crucial bridge connecting government initiatives to the people and reiterated the Telangana state government’s unwavering commitment to journalists’ welfare. She was speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory session of the training program for Rangareddy district journalists at the Nampally Media Academy on Thursday.

Priyanka highlighted how the profession has transformed with technology—from the challenging days of manual reporting to the current digital age, where news reaches the public within seconds via WhatsApp and social media. “The responsibility of journalists has grown. People learn about society through the information you provide. It must be factual and honest,” she said.

She noted the Media Academy’s vital role in facilitating growth for journalists and promised complete support for its initiatives. Referring to welfare measures, she said the government is committed to extending pensions to families of deceased journalists and financial assistance to those injured on duty. She added that shortcomings in the existing journalist insurance schemes would be rectified and that new support mechanisms were being designed.

Media Academy Chairman Srinivas Reddy revealed that financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each was recently given to 180 journalists unable to work due to accidents. Families of deceased journalists are now receiving monthly pensions of ₹3,000, and the academy is also covering the educational expenses of their children from LKG to Class 10. He announced that more such training classes will soon be conducted in other districts, focusing on editors and women journalists.

The event also featured talks by Disha Editor Markandeya on writing articles, Senior Journalist Govinda Reddy on crime reporting, and 99TV Chief Editor Bhavanarayana on digital media.

DRDA Project Director Srilatha explained various welfare and loan schemes for women being implemented under SERP. Certificates were later distributed to journalists who completed the training.

The event was attended by Media Academy Secretary N. Venkateswara Rao and Rangareddy District PRO P.C. Venkatesham.