Vedtimes.com | News Desk IFWJ reiterates demand for a Journalist’s Protection Law
IFWJ reiterates demand for Journalists: The issue of journalists safety, freedom and dignity has once again come into focus.
The Indian Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ) has reiterated its demand for a national law to protect journalists and the establishment of a National Journalists Register for journalists across the country.
The organisation maintains that journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear, intimidation or undue pressure.
Journalists in Jharkhand should also receive the same protection and rights as their counterparts in other states.
According to the published report, Bharat Bhushan Prasad, president of the Jharkhand unit of IFWJ, emphasised the need for an effective legal framework to ensure journalists safety.
He pointed out that journalists working in remote and rural areas face several challenges.
Ensuring their security, dignity and freedom to practise journalism is therefore essential.
Attacks and Threats Against Journalists Remain a Serious Concern
Journalists play a crucial role in a democracy by acting as a link between the public and the government.
They bring issues related to government schemes, administrative functioning, social problems and public interest to the forefront.
However, while reporting on such matters, they sometimes face threats, physical attacks, pressure and other forms of intimidation.
The IFWJ believes that a clear and effective law is necessary to protect journalists.
Such legislation should include strong provisions to address attacks, threats and unlawful pressure against media professionals.
It should also provide for impartial investigations into complaints and timely action against those found responsible.
According to the organisation, journalist’s safety is not limited to protection against physical attacks.
Professional independence, dignified working conditions and safeguards for their rights are equally important.
Demand for a National Journalists Register
The IFWJ has also reiterated its demand for a National Journalists Register.
The organisation believes that a transparent system documenting journalists identities and professional status could help address their concerns and improve access to relevant support.
However, while developing such a system, it is essential to protect the interests of independent journalists, professionals working with small media organisations, digital media platforms and those reporting from rural areas.
No legitimate journalist should be unfairly excluded in the name of identification, nor should the system be used to restrict media freedom.
Equal Rights for Journalists in Jharkhand
Bharat Bhushan Prasad has highlighted issues concerning the safety and rights of journalists in Jharkhand.
Those working in rural and remote areas often face challenges such as limited resources, security concerns and difficult reporting conditions.
Institutional assistance, legal guidance, safety training and prompt action on complaints are important measures to support such journalists.
Welfare schemes for media professionals should also reach all eligible beneficiaries through a transparent process.
IFWJ Foundation Day to Be Observed on October 28
The IFWJ has announced that its Foundation Day will be observed at state headquarters across the country on October 28.
The occasion is expected to highlight issues concerning journalists safety, professional rights and the proposed National Journalists Register.
The organisation maintains that meaningful dialogue among the government, media organisations and journalists bodies is essential to resolving the problems faced by media professionals.
Journalists Safety is Linked to a Stronger Democracy
The protection of journalists is not merely the concern of an individual organisation or state.
It is closely connected with freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.
When journalists can work without fear, they are better able to independently and impartially scrutinise those in positions of power and report on matters of public importance.
It remains to be seen what steps the Central and state governments will take in response to the demand for a Journalist’s Protection Law and a National Journalist’s Register.
For journalists in Jharkhand, too, an effective framework would be important- one that safeguards their security while protecting the principles of independent and impartial journalism.
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