MLAs demand welfare schemes for working journalists in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, March 29:

Cutting across party lines, members in the Odisha assembly on Wednesday demanded fulfilment of various demands of working journalists in the state.

During Zero Hour, MLAs expressed concern over the non-fulfilment of genuine demands of working journalists.

They demanded immediate provision of health insurance and pension facilities for journalists working in the state.

“It is unfortunate that the state government is yet to identify and give recognition to journalists. They are not being given minimum facilities like pension and health insurance for their social security,” said Biju Janata Dal MLA Prafulla Samal.

He said the government should address journalists’ issues and fulfil their demands during the current financial year.

Congress chief whip Taraprasad Bahinipati said while the state government had announced to bring a policy for the welfare of journalists in 2013, it is yet to work on the policy.

BJD MLA Dibya Sankar Mishra said a comprehensive policy should be formed for the welfare of journalists so that they can discharge their professional duties.