Hyderabad: Desk journalists in Telangana demanded withdrawal of the government’s decision to divide working journalists and sought amendments to GO 252 governing accreditation cards.
The Desk Journalists Federation of Telangana urged the State government to reverse what it described as a discriminatory policy. The federation said the move separated desk journalists and reporters despite both falling under the working journalist category.
The federation also demanded amendments to GO 252 issued by the government on accreditation policy. It said the order unfairly denied accreditation cards to desk journalists. Leaders said the policy created an artificial hierarchy within the profession.
The organisation further demanded clarity from Information and Public Relations officials on the issue of bus passes for desk journalists. It said authorities had failed to provide clear guidelines so far.
Desk journalists working in various newspapers and television channels held a meeting at Thyagaraya Ganasabha in Chikkadpally on Wednesday. During the meeting, journalists formally constituted the Desk Journalists Federation of Telangana.
Participants elected a new executive committee and passed several resolutions. Speakers said reporters and desk journalists performed complementary roles. They argued that treating one group as inferior violated professional ethics.
Leaders questioned why authorities attempted to classify journalists as “greater” or “lesser.” They objected to proposals to deny accreditation cards to desk journalists and issue separate media cards instead.
Desk journalists warn GO 252 undermines professional dignity
The federation said such a move would push desk journalists into second-grade status. Leaders expressed concern that GO 252 amounted to an attack on journalists who risk health and well-being to uphold professional standards.
Speakers said journalists had fought hard to secure accreditation rights. They questioned the rationale behind withdrawing those rights now. They alleged that the division aimed to screen beneficiaries of welfare schemes and future housing allotments.
Officials have claimed that accreditation cards and media cards would carry the same welfare benefits. Federation leaders questioned the need for two separate cards if benefits remained identical.
The federation demanded restoration of accreditation cards for all working journalists, as practiced earlier. Several journalist leaders and organisations extended support during the meeting.
Those who attended included HUJ president B. Arun Kumar, general secretary B. Jagadeesh, TWJF vice-president B. Rajasekhar, state secretary Gandra Naveen, and WIJ state secretary Ravikanti Srinivas.
During the meeting, journalists elected a new committee for the federation. Badini Upender was elected State president, while Mastan was chosen as general secretary. Nissar was elected treasurer, K.V. Rajaram as vice-president, and Vijaya as joint secretary.
The federation adopted resolutions seeking accreditation cards for desk journalists, amendments to GO 252, and representation for desk journalists on accreditation committees. Members also resolved to submit representations to the I&PR Commissioner, district collectors, ministers, and public representatives.
Leaders said the federation would organise desk journalists across the State. They added that they would work with reporters and journalist unions that support their demands.
