Sheikhpura | Patana:
A significant meeting of the Rashtriya Patrakaar Mahasangh (RPM) was held at a private auditorium in Sheikhpura to discuss the rights, security, and dignity of journalists, who are regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy. The programme was organized under the leadership of Subodh Pandey and attended by the National Spokesperson, Mr Satya Narayan Chaturvedi,State President Mr Viswanath gupta ,State Vice-President, State Secretary, other office-bearers, and journalist representatives.
During the meeting, the National Spokesperson accelerated the organization’s expansion by appointing Dheeraj Sinha as the District Coordinator for Sheikhpura and Chaturanand Mishra as the Deputy District Coordinator. Members present congratulated both office-bearers and pledged to strengthen the organization at the grassroots level.
The meeting witnessed serious discussions on various issues concerning journalists, including their security, pension, insurance, social protection, and welfare. A landmark and progressive demand was also raised from the soil of Sheikhpura—that journalists, who play a crucial role in strengthening democracy, should be granted clear recognition and status in the Constitution of India.
Speakers emphasized that while the press and media are widely acknowledged as the fourth pillar of democracy, there is still no comprehensive constitutional framework to safeguard journalists’ rights and security. Grassroots journalists working in villages, rural areas, and block-level regions act as a vital bridge between the government and the public. They bring to light issues related to public welfare, corruption, development activities, and administrative functioning. However, they often face pressure, intimidation, and threats from influential groups and anti-social elements.
Concern was also expressed over the lack of timely support from major institutions at the district and state levels when journalists face harassment or attacks. In many cases, administrative procedures continue routinely, leaving affected journalists feeling vulnerable and unprotected. Additionally, grassroots reporters frequently do not receive the respect and cooperation they deserve from government departments.
Office-bearers of the Rashtriya Patrakaar Mahasangh stated that the organization would continue its struggle at the national level for the dignity, safety, and rights of journalists. Efforts will be made to connect journalists from every district, block, and panchayat across the country with this movement.
The meeting resolved to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to secure journalists’ rights, advocate for the implementation of a Journalist Protection Law, ensure pension and insurance benefits, and seek proper constitutional recognition of the role played by journalists in a democratic society.
At the conclusion of the meeting, journalists unanimously stated that ensuring the safety, dignity, and welfare of media professionals is one of the most pressing needs of the time. The struggle for journalists’ rights, they declared, will now move beyond villages and small towns to reach the state and national levels.
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