Hyderabad : In a significant development for the welfare of journalists in the state, Revenue, Information, and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has committed to convene a high-level meeting to address housing and welfare concerns. The assurance was provided during a meeting with a delegation representing the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and the Telangana Working Journalists (TUWJ).

The delegation, led by IJU President K. Srinivas Reddy and TUWJ State General Secretary K. Virahat Ali, engaged in a detailed discussion on various measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of journalists. The meeting, held in the Minister's Chamber at the Secretariat on Thursday evening, involved the participation of IJU Secretary Y. Narendra Reddy and TUWJ Vice-President K. Rannarayan.

Minister Srinivas Reddy acknowledged the longstanding issues faced by journalists and conveyed instructions to the Collectors of all 33 districts to compile information on housing-related memos issued by previous governments. This comprehensive data collection includes details on allocated places, pending acquisitions, and suitable locations for future housing initiatives.

During the discussion, the delegation highlighted the plight of journalists in district and mandal centers, as well as the state capital, Hyderabad, who have been without house plots for the past two decades. IJU President K. Srinivas Reddy specifically raised concerns about the unresolved matter of the Jawahar Lal Nehru Journalists' Housing Society. In response, Minister Ponguleti assured the delegation that he would discuss this matter with the Chief Minister to find a suitable resolution.

Expressing the government's commitment to journalists' welfare, Minister Srinivas Reddy stated that a policy statement on comprehensive welfare measures would be forthcoming. He emphasized the importance of addressing the housing needs of journalists across the state.

The delegation, appreciative of the Minister's commitment, thanked him for his attention to detail and for discussing the extensive 3-page petition submitted by the TWJ. As a follow-up to these discussions, a high-level meeting with relevant officials is scheduled to take place one day after January 15 to delve into the specifics of the proposed welfare measures for journalists. This meeting holds the promise of ushering in positive changes for the journalist community in the state.