Ponguleti assures enhanced journalist welfare, denies accreditation card cuts

LatestPoliticsTelangana
By HNH Web Desk
journalist accreditation Telangana

Hyderabad: Telangana Revenue, Housing, and Information Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy clarified that there will be no reduction in journalist accreditations and assured that the State Government will continue to stand firmly by journalists who uphold the dignity of the profession.

Addressing representatives from 14 media unions at the Secretariat on Saturday, the minister dismissed rumours about accreditation cuts and confirmed that the number of cards issued this time will exceed the earlier figure of approximately 23,000. He said that all government benefits extended to accreditation cardholders will also apply to media cardholders without exception.

Journalist accreditation Telangana: GO 252 to be amended

The minister announced that GO 252 will be revised after considering valuable suggestions made by journalist associations. He emphasised that the government has conducted extensive studies—reviewing national norms and holding multiple meetings to ensure a transparent and scientific accreditation process.

To ensure fairness, officials will verify circulation data and chartered accountant certificates. Ponguleti said this step will help genuine publications and working journalists receive their due. The government is also exploring a population-based model for issuing accreditations instead of the current mandal-wise allotment.

He assured representation for Urdu journalists in accreditation committees and confirmed that journalists from sports, culture, crime, and cable TV sectors will continue to be eligible. He also promised to allocate a special quota for women journalists.

journalist accreditation Telangana

Telangana to frame court-proof housing policy for journalists

Responding to questions about housing sites, the minister stated that the government had already allotted land to the Jawaharlal Nehru Housing Society after coming to power. However, the Supreme Court later struck down the arrangement, creating legal hurdles. He assured that, based on directions from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the government would soon design a policy that is free from legal barriers to resolve this long-pending issue.

Ponguleti also noted that Telangana was the first state to issue digital media cards. Issues such as pensions, insurance, and bus passes were raised by union members during the meeting. The minister said the government would address these concerns seriously and proactively.

Telangana Media Academy Chairman K. Srinivas Reddy, I&PR Commissioner Ch. Priyanka, and Chief PRO G. Malsur were present at the meeting.

 

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