Ayodhya: The National Council meeting of the National Union of Journalists (India) (NUJ-I) began in Ayodhya Dham on Sunday, with Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Bhupendra Chaudhary inaugurating the two-day meeting being held on October 4 and 5.
Around 200 representatives from 22 states are participating in the national council meeting, which is being organised by the Uttar Pradesh Association of Journalists (UPAJ).
The Jaunpur delegation, including district president Syed Hasnain Qamar Deepu, vice-president Abdul Haq Ansari and general secretary JD Singh, welcomed Cabinet Minister Bhupendra Chaudhary with bouquets. Journalists from Telangana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Bihar and other states also honoured the minister by presenting him with traditional angavastram and mementos.
NUJ national general secretary Triyug Narayan Tiwari said the meeting would deliberate on various problems faced by journalists and pass resolutions on key issues. The proposed establishment of a Media Council, formation of a new wage board and enactment of a journalist protection law are among the major demands expected to be discussed.
The delegates will also deliberate on several contemporary issues affecting the media and the journalism profession. The meeting is being chaired by NUJ national president Suresh Sharma of Bhopal.
According to UPAJ state president Sarvesh Kumar Singh, around 55 delegates from Uttar Pradesh are participating in the meeting. Extensive arrangements have been made by the state and Ayodhya district units of the organisation.
The Uttar Pradesh unit will raise the issue of a pension scheme for journalists in the state and seek adoption of a resolution on the demand at the national meeting. The delegation will also demand restoration of concessions for journalists travelling by rail.
Representatives from different states are expected to contribute to the discussions, with the two-day council meeting focusing on strengthening the interests, welfare and professional security of journalists.
