Baramulla: In a significant bid to take the appraisal of current media scenario in district Baramulla, a Sub-committee of Press Council of India (PCI) consisting of three members today visited Baramulla where they convened an interactive session with the media persons and took feedback in the wake of prevailing circumstances.
The three-member Team, headed by its Conveyer Balwinder Singh Jammu and other two members viz Kamal Nain Narang and Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi, visited Dak Bunglow Baramulla where they were given a detailed account regarding the day today functioning of media fraternity.
On the occasion, the representative of the press forum briefed the team about the difficulties they are facing while covering events at ground level. They also put forth their demands which includes establishment of press club at district headquarter, restoration of high speed internet connectivity, accreditation of local journalists etc. They also drew attention of the visiting team towards the frequent disruption of internet services during any law and order situation and demanded the necessary alternative during such occasions.
Moreover, the media persons demanded the up gradation of basic infrastructure in Information department and demanded the fulfilment of vacant positions at Tehsil levels.
While addressing the media persons, Balwinder Singh Jammu assured that all their genuine demands shall be taken with the concerned authorities and said that they are here to access the difficulties which the press persons are facing at ground level. He further deliberated on extending benefit of insurance scheme to the journalists who are working in this border district of Baramulla and urged administration to establish press club in heart of the town. He further added that maintaining the freedom of press is essentially important and strived for maintaining and improving the standard of journalism by reporting objectively.
Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi, in his address said that media is a significant pillar in democracy for deliverance of transparent and accountable governance to the people adding that various initiatives are afoot which includes extension of various welfare schemes to the media persons for their overall well being. He also exhorted to highlight the positive aspects of the region at different levels so that a good and conducive perception is established.
Earlier, District Development commissioner Baramulla Dr G N Itoo briefed about various facilities being provided to the media persons and said that special internet facility was provided to them post August 5. He said that the issue of press club has been taken with the concerned agencies and hoped that the same shall established shortly. Moreover, Dr Itoo underlined the need to highlight various success stories of the District at the national level.
Joint Director Information Kashmir Division Haris Handoo said that a team has been constituted who are mandated to review the accreditation policy. He also informed that all the vacant posts in the department shall be fulfilled shortly so that work of the department is streamlined.
District information officer Baramulla Mudasir Choudhary later presented vote of thanks at the end. (KNS)
PCI SUB-COMMITTEE VISITS BARAMULLA, CONVENES INTERACTION MEET WITH MEDIA PERSONS
