Hajipur, September 2023: Rural journalism is filled with challenges, as journalists often have to balance family responsibilities while simultaneously confronting social and administrative pressures. The government will give priority to resolving the issues faced by rural journalists, said Bihar’s IT Minister, Md. Israil Mansuri, while addressing the Hamari Awaaz programme organized near the Sarai Toll Plaza in Vaishali district.
The Minister assured journalists that the government is committed to their welfare. He noted that, at the demand of Media for Border Harmony, the state has already launched a Journalist Insurance Scheme, Journalist Pension Scheme, and facilitated the construction of press clubs in 36 districts. He further promised that the government would continue to fulfill future demands put forth by the organization.
The programme was jointly inaugurated with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by Minister Mansuri, MLA Sanjay Prasad Singh, MLA Nirjan Rai, MLA Veena Singh, Madrasa Board member Shabbir Ahmad, and Seema Jagran Manch’s provincial in-charge Mahesh Agarwal. The event was chaired by senior journalist Surendra Manpuri. Guests were welcomed with shawls and mementos by patron Mohan Kumar Sudhanshu, Anil Kumar Singh, Shailendra Kumar Pandey, Anirudh Raja, Brajesh Kumar Singh, Navneet Kumar, and Rajan Kumar.
The keynote was presented by senior journalist and Bharat Maitri Ambassador Amrendra Tiwari, who highlighted the relevance of cross-border harmony and media’s role in society. Women journalists and contributors including Renu Singh, Deputy Chief Councilor of Goraul Nagar Panchayat Dhanmanti Devi, folk singer Sapna Rai, Women Development Forum’s Sona Sarita, and Roma Yadav (Deputy Chairperson of Mahnar Nagar Parishad) were honored with shawls and mementos.
Several MLAs present acknowledged the challenging role of journalists and assured that their nine-point demands would be addressed. Journalists from Nepal, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Araria, East Champaran, West Champaran, and Vaishali participated in large numbers. The programme was conducted by Kishlay Kishore, and a vote of thanks was delivered by Vaishali District President Prabhat Kumar.
Nine-Point Demand by Media for Border Harmony
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Justice for journalist Bimal Mandal of Araria, who was shot dead by criminals – ensuring security for the victim’s family, ₹25 lakh compensation, free education for his children, and speedy trial of culprits.
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Formation of a Journalist Protection Commission at the national and state levels to provide constitutional safeguards.
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Removal of quota-based selection for recognition of national and state-level accredited journalists.
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Formation of monitoring committees for rural, block, subdivision, district-level, and independent journalists across Bihar.
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Establishment of a Journalist Relief Fund at the district level to provide emergency support in cases of murder, accident, or serious illness.
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Opening of Media Centres at subdivision and block headquarters for journalists to gather and file reports.
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Provision of interest-free loans to journalists for purchasing cameras, laptops, mobile phones, and motorcycles.
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Waiver of toll tax on vehicles of journalists at all toll plazas operated by NHAI in Bihar.
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Immediate opening of completed Press Clubs in Muzaffarpur and other districts of Bihar.