Press bodies, the National Alliance of Journalists (NAJ), the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ), and the Andhra Pradesh Working Journalists Federation (APWJF), along with associated members from across the country, have presented a 13-point Charter to Members of Parliament and political parties. 

The Charter calls for urgent measures to protect journalism in light of escalating threats to press freedom and journalists' rights.

The journalists' unions have called for a discussion on the contentious and secretive aspects of the latest draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, which seeks to regulate social media platforms and small, independent news broadcasters. 

In a joint statement, the journalists’ union have demanded a review and repeal of laws related to Sedition, Defamation, and prolonged detention under UAPA, which have been misused against journalists.

Read the full statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

The National Alliance of Journalists (NAJ), the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ), the Andhra Pradesh Working Journalists Federation (APWJF) and associated members from around the country in a 13-point Charter to Members of Parliament and the political parties have called for immediate steps to save journalism in view of increasing threats to press freedom and the rights of journalists.

The Journalists’ Unions have called for discussion on the controversial and secretive provisions of the latest draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 which is aimed at controlling social media platforms and small, independent news broadcasters. They demand the review and repeal of all laws relating to Sedition, Defamation and prolonged detention laws such as UAPA which have been misused against journalists.

The Unions also demand greater access to Parliament for accredited media persons. Further, they have asked for an independent Media Council and a Media Commission of India on the lines of the First and Second Press Commissions. They demand repeal of the four Labour Codes. They demand the institution of a fresh Wage Board and interim relief for employees suffering the fallout of stagnant wages in an inflationary period, besides a decent pension and risk insurance scheme.

The detailed Charter is attached for your perusal and usage.

 Sd/-                                                   
S.K. Pande-President, NAJ,
Sujata Madhok – President, DUJ, 
A.M.Jigeesh - General Secretary, DUJ,
N.Kondaiah - Secretary General, NAJ,                       
G.  Anjaneyulu- General Secretary, APWJF