Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Nov 10 (UNI) The Kerala union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has urged the State Government to appoint a judicial commission to examine serious issues affecting the media sector in the state.
The KUWJ also demanded that the monthly pension for journalists be increased from the current Rs 11,000 to Rs 20,000.
In a sector marked by precarious employment conditions, the pension scheme remains the only reliable support system for retired journalists, the KUWJ leaders opined at the 61st annual conference held here yesterday.
With social welfare pensions having been revised in recent years, an upward revision of journalists’ pensions is essential, it added.
To strengthen the pension fund, the KUWJ suggested introducing a cess or allocating 15 percent of the PRD advertisement fund for the purpose. The union further sought the expansion of the pension scheme to include contract workers, video editors, and magazine journalists.
The conference also called on the union Government to restore the Working Journalists Act, which is being phased out under the new Labour Codes.
KUWJ State President K.P. Raji presided over the conference. General Secretary Suresh Edappal presented the report, and Treasurer Madhusoodanan Kartha placed the accounts. Vice Presidents K. Vijesh and P.M. Kripa, along with Secretaries Binitha Devassy, Philipose Mathew, and B. Abhijith, led the deliberations.
Organising Committee General Convener Bobby Abraham delivered the welcome address, and KUWJ District President Biju Kurian proposed the vote of thanks.
