Nagaland scribes ask for benefits

Kohima, Apr 19 : The Nagaland Press Association has asked the state government to formulate policies relating to the welfare of the working and non-working journalists in the state.

In a representation submitted to the chief minister today, the association said welfare funds from the state for the journalists needed immediate attention.

The representation reminded the chief minister that on November 7, 2007, he had announced setting up of a journalist welfare fund and housing colonies for journalists in Dimapur and Kohima as recommended by the state accreditation committee. However, all this is still pending.

“Setting up a welfare fund would help the journalists as well as non-journalists employees in media houses in difficult times such as accidents, medical treatment and even help the family in case of death,” the representation stated.

The association urged the state government to take up the matter as announced earlier.

It also suggested that a new committee be reconstituted, which would include more senior journalists.

It said the committee which would include more senior journalists, who would not only help in formulating policies for the media, but also would help in weeding out bogus journalists who were enjoying benefits from the government instead of the genuine ones.

The association also urged the government to see to it that benefits of transport, capital and newsprint subsidies were made available according to the policies of the Centre.