Govt. committed to house sites and accreditation cards to journalists: Ponguleti

Hyderabad

Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy assured that the government would extend full support to journalists, who uphold the dignity of journalism and bring credit to the profession.

He made it clear that the government has no intention of undermining or belittling the dignity of any journalist, while addressing a meeting with representatives of various journalists’ associations on GO 252 issued with regard to accreditation to journalists.

The Minister denied the propaganda that the number of accreditation cards would be reduced, stating that eligible journalists will be issued cards. He said that the new guidelines issued were based on a scientific study and examination of systems across the country.

The Minister clarified that there is no difference between media cards and accreditation cards, and that all benefits extended by the government to accreditation card-holders would also apply to media card-holders, leaving no room for doubt.

He said the government was not adopting any arbitrary approach, but would strictly collect circulation and other related details and verify Chartered Accountant certificates to streamline the system. This, he said, would ensure justice to genuine newspapers and journalists.

On house sites to journalists, the Minister said that the long-pending issue was resolved by handing over land to the Jawaharlal Nehru Journalists’ Mutually-Aided Cooperative Housing Society. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling created obstacles. Reiterating the government’s positive approach, he said that, as per the directions of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, a policy free from legal hurdles would be formulated for journalists’ housing plots.