Indus Valley Times

By Addanki Iswar R.

Malkangiri, Odisha,15th March,2024 – Journalists from across Malkangiri district staged a unified protest on Friday, converging at the District Headquarters wearing black badges to demand essential Protections and Pension benefits. The gathering, comprising reporters, correspondents, and media personnel, rallied on the streets, ultimately reaching the office of the District Collector where they voiced their grievances and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Odisha.

Sri.Debaprasad Das, President of the Malkangiri Union of Journalists (MUJ), emphasized the vital role of the media as the fourth pillar of the constitution, lamenting the persistent neglect faced by journalists in Odisha by the government. Joining him, Sri.Durjyadhana Patra, President of the Utkal Journalists Association (UJA), highlighted the discrepancy between Odisha and other states such as Chhattisgarh, where the government has recognized the importance of ensuring security and pension benefits for journalists.

Patra reiterated that journalists serve as the voice of the people and thus deserve protection and support, including access to pension benefits. The demonstrators emphasized that while the government prioritizes various organizations, the essential demands of journalists, such as security and pension, remain unaddressed.

Representatives from various blocks including Balimela, Chitarakonda, Mathil, Khairput, Kalimela, and Mathili joined the protest, underscoring the widespread concern among journalists across the district.

In a unified stance, the journalists stressed the urgency of their demands, calling for immediate action from the government to ensure their safety and well-being. The protest signals a growing frustration among journalists in Malkangiri district, who feel marginalized and overlooked despite their crucial role in upholding democracy and informing the public.