A delegation led by Devanand Sinha, National President of the Voice of Journalists, met Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at Lok Bhavan in Ranchi to advocate for the rights, dignity, security, and welfare of media professionals. During the meeting, the delegation formally felicitated the Governor with a ceremonial stole, floral bouquet, and memento before submitting a detailed memorandum highlighting the pressing challenges faced by mediapersons across the state.
Addressing the Governor, the representatives emphasized that journalists function as the fourth pillar of democracy, bridging the critical gap between governance and society. Operating under demanding circumstances, mediapersons continually bring public grievances to the fore while disseminating vital administrative policies to the masses. Despite their central role in public discourse, many professionals continue to grapple with acute vulnerabilities regarding physical security, housing, healthcare access, and broader social safety nets.
The memorandum urged the Governor to facilitate the swift enactment of a dedicated Journalist Protection Act to ensure mediapersons can discharge their duties without fear, intimidation, or administrative pressure. Key charter demands also included the allocation of affordable housing facilities, tuition concessions and scholarship mechanisms for journalists’ children, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and institutional medical benefits for their families.
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar gave a patient hearing to the delegation, offering positive assurances regarding their concerns. He affirmed that constructive suggestions and necessary advisories would be extended to the state government to address the legitimate welfare needs of journalists. Expressing gratitude for the Governor’s receptivity, the delegation reiterated its commitment to advocating democratically for a safe, dignified work environment, voicing hope that the state administration will soon initiate concrete measures on their longstanding demands. The visiting delegation also included National Organizing Secretary Sujit Sinha, National Treasurer Madhu Sinha, Jharkhand Vice President Ashish Mishra, and Ranchi District President Chandra Prakash Rawat, among other key representatives.
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