Members of the Gauhati Press Club met senior officials of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Assam, on April 28, raising key concerns affecting journalists in Guwahati.
Officials, including Commissioner Secretary Kumar Padmapani Bora and Director Manabendra Dev Ray, attended the meeting and assured that the issues highlighted would be addressed gradually.
Gauhati Press Club members met DIPR officials on April 28 to discuss issues faced by journalists in Guwahati. Officials assured that concerns, including infrastructure and welfare demands, would be addressed in due course.
Key Concerns Raised by Journalists
During the meeting, Press Club members highlighted several long-standing challenges faced by journalists in Guwahati, despite the city being the centre of Assam’s media activity.
The discussion focused on improving infrastructure and welfare support for media professionals.
Follow-Up to Memorandum Submission
The meeting came a day after the Press Club submitted a memorandum to Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, outlining its demands.
Among the key requests were:
- Allotment of land for a permanent Press Club building
- Introduction of a group health insurance scheme for journalists
Demand for Permanent Infrastructure
The Press Club noted that despite functioning for over 50 years, it still does not have a permanent office in Guwahati.
Currently operating from a temporary location, members said the lack of dedicated space limits:
- Training programmes
- Access to modern facilities
- Welfare activities for journalists
Role of Press Club in Guwahati
With hundreds of members, the Gauhati Press Club has played a key role in:
- Acting as a bridge between the media, the public, and the administration
- Supporting journalist welfare
- Promoting training and professional development
Positive Response from DIPR
According to the Press Club, DIPR officials responded positively during the meeting and acknowledged the concerns raised.
They assured that efforts would be made to address the issues in the coming days.
What Happens Next
The Assam government is expected to review the demands, particularly regarding land allotment and welfare schemes.
For journalists in Guwahati, the outcome of these discussions could impact infrastructure and support systems in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues did the Gauhati Press Club raise?
The club raised concerns about the lack of permanent infrastructure and the need for a health insurance scheme for journalists.
What was the response from DIPR officials?
Officials assured that the issues would be addressed gradually.