ITANAGAR, Aug 2: Members of the State’s media fraternity under the banner of Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalist (APUWJ), on Friday, joined the countrywide agitation launched by the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) against the "nefarious" designs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to cut into the roots of press freedom in the country by repealing two legislations that protect the unique character of the journalism profession.
In two Labour Code Bills, one on working conditions and the other on wages, introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 23, the government proposed to repeal the Working Journalists and other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1955, and the Working Journalist (Fixation of rates of wages) Act, 1958 along with 11 other labour laws.
Holding placards and banners inscribed with their demands, the members of APUWJ demonstrated a silent sit-in protest at the Arunachal Press Club here.
Later while addressing the members present, APUWJ president Amar Sangno said that the protest was organized to extend solidarity to the IJU which has been quite vocal about the NDA government’s decision to repeal the Labour Code Bills and upon whose call Friday’s agitation was launched across the country.
He said that the protest was also aimed at sending a strong signal to the government that the journalists would always fight along with other sections of working class to protect their interests.
“The IJU has clearly stated that any attempts to undermine the functioning of the ‘fourth estate’ will be fought tooth and nail as it would have undesirable effect on the democratic polity and strike its very root. The freedom of press is of paramount importance and moreover, the claim made by the government that it has consulted all stakeholders in regards to the Bills is misleading,” Sangno said.
The APUWJ president further on behalf of the State’s media fraternity appealed to the Central government to reconsider its decision so as to upkeep the freedom of press which is vital in a democratic country like ours.
Among others, APC president Dodum Yangfo and APUWJ general secretary Ranju Dodum were also part of the protest. Newsdesk

 

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List