An Urgent Appeal to the Government: Save the Soul of Journalism in India

 

Introduction: Journalism in Crisis

 

In the land that birthed movements for justice and self-respect, journalism—once hailed as the fourth pillar of democracy—is now gasping for breath. Across India, countless journalists who once served mainstream media with integrity and passion are now struggling to survive. Their stories are not just personal tragedies—they are warnings about the erosion of democratic discourse itself.

 

The Silent Collapse of Livelihoods

 

Many senior journalists, once employed by leading Telugu dailies and magazines, have been cast aside due to shifting editorial policies, post-pandemic downsizing, and the rise of commercialized media. Some have turned to PDF-based publications, hoping to preserve independent thought. But in a market dominated by paid news and advertisement-driven survival, these efforts are barely sustainable.

 

- Journalists who once shaped public opinion are now unable to feed their families.

- Competition among PDF publications has intensified, diluting reach and revenue.

- Health crises, like the recent case of journalist Nagaraju, expose the absence of social security for media workers.

 

Who Is a Journalist Today?

 

The question is no longer rhetorical. When caste, region, religion, and political affiliation dictate media hiring, and when accreditation is denied to grassroots voices, the definition of a journalist becomes dangerously narrow.

 

- Who brought unqualified relatives into mainstream media during political upswings?

- Who divided the media into party, caste, and religious factions?

- Who created batches of journalists only to discard them when no longer useful?

 

These are not just questions—they are indictments.

 

What Must Be Done: A Call to Action

 

The government must recognize its moral and constitutional responsibility to protect journalists, especially those who have served for years and now face destitution.

 

✅ Policy Recommendations:

| Issue | Recommendation |

|------|----------------|

| Unrecognized Senior Journalists | Provide pensions and financial support to those with 5+ years of service, regardless of accreditation |

| Retirement Security | Extend retirement benefits equivalent to government employees for senior journalists |

| Women Journalists | Establish a dedicated welfare fund for women in media |

| Salary Delays | Enforce wage board norms and penalize defaulting media houses |

| Data Transparency | Create a registry of all journalists in Telangana, including freelancers, digital, and senior professionals |

| Recognition of New Media | Officially recognize journalists working in social media, digital editions, and independent platforms |

 

 

Conclusion: Journalism Is Not a Commodity

 

Journalists are not just content creators—they are conscience keepers. When they suffer, democracy suffers. India must not abandon those who gave voice to the voiceless, who stood by the people during movements, pandemics, and political upheavals.

 

This is not just an appeal. It is a reminder:  

A society that neglects its truth-tellers risks losing its truth.

 

Let the government act—not with sympathy, but with justice.

 

Proposal for a Comprehensive Journalist Registry and Welfare Scheme in Telangana & AP 

Submitted by: Venkateshwarlu Boya  

Pen Name: Telangana Journalist  

Date:  24th August 2025

 

Objective

To establish a transparent, inclusive, and regularly updated registry of all journalists in Telangana—across print, broadcast, digital, and freelance sectors—and to implement a welfare scheme that recognizes their service, protects their rights, and supports their livelihoods.

 

Key Components

 

1. Statewide Journalist Census

- Conduct a district-wise enumeration of journalists, including:

  - Accredited reporters

  - Freelancers and independent publishers (e.g., PDF magazines)

  - Digital media contributors

  - Rural and vernacular journalists

- Use local press clubs and journalist unions to verify and assist.

 

2. Digital Journalist Registry Portal

- Create a secure online portal for registration, verification, and updates.

- Include fields for:

  - Media affiliation (if any)

  - Area of coverage (rural, urban, thematic)

  - Languages used

  - Years of experience

  - Press ID status

 

3. Welfare Scheme Highlights

- Health Insurance: Group coverage for journalists and their families.

- Pension Plan: For senior journalists above 60 years.

- Legal Aid: Support for journalists facing defamation, harassment, or false FIRs.

- Safety Protocols: Emergency helpline and protection for those reporting in conflict zones.

- Training & Grants: Workshops on digital safety, fact-checking, and small grants for rural reporting.

4. Press Freedom Monitoring Cell

- A state-level body to track violations against journalists.

- Annual report to be tabled in the Assembly.

 

Rationale

Journalists are the conscience-keepers of democracy. In Telangana, their role is especially vital in bridging rural-urban divides, exposing corruption, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. Yet many operate without recognition, protection, or support.

This proposal honors their dignity and ensures that no journalist—whether from a mainstream channel or a village PDF publication—is left behind.

 

By Venkateshwarlu Boya, Telangana Journalist, Hyderabad, India