People's Democracy

DUJ Welcomes Cabinet Move On POTA

ON the eve of the Hyderabad session of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU), the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) has demanded the constitution of a new wage board. It has further stressed the necessity of preparing for a struggle for an amendment to the Working Journalists Act to end the contract system in this sensitive profession, as it tends to be an infringement on freedom of the press besides making the journalists bonded.

In a statement issued from New Delhi on September 17, DUJ president S K Pande and general secretary Javed Faridi have also demanded the setting up of a media commission that should cover the entire spectrum of media, as a follow-up of the two previous press commissions. They reiterated their objection to the entry of foreign capital in the print media as it would have dangerous repercussions for the Indian polity.

The DUJ welcomed the cabinet decision to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and stated that it was a vindication of the stand taken and struggle conducted by the DUJ against this draconian law. The DUJ has further asked for a risk insurance cover for journalists and a proper pension scheme for journalists instead of selective doles. The organisation has further demanded suitable changes in the Official Secrets Act to prevent journalists from being arrested for what is already available in the public domain. (INN)