Hyderabad: The Telangana Urdu Working Journalists’ Federation (TUWJF) on Monday termed GO 252 on accreditation cards harmful to journalists’ interests and said the order undermined media rights across the State.
To examine the implications of GO 252 issued by the Congress government, the Telangana Urdu Working Journalists’ Federation convened a detailed meeting at Media Plus Auditorium in Gun Foundry. Importantly, State and district office-bearers attended the meeting, which TUWJF State President M. A. Majid chaired.
During the deliberations, State leaders explained key provisions of GO 252 in detail. At the same time, they outlined its possible advantages and drawbacks. Moreover, district representatives shared suggestions to help the federation evolve a united and effective stand.
TUWJF State General Secretary Syed Ghouse Mohiuddin, Vice-Presidents M. A. K. Faisal, Syed Azmat Ali Shah and Syed Ahmed Jilani said GO 252 adversely affected not only Urdu journalists but also Telugu journalists. Therefore, they proposed strong representations to MLAs and government officials to safeguard journalists’ rights.
TUWJF rejects GO 252, calls it detrimental to journalists
Meanwhile, Organising Secretary Mohammed Amjad conducted the proceedings. The meeting began with Quran recitation and Naat. Subsequently, speakers announced plans to establish a strong trade union to ensure effective representation of journalists.
Furthermore, TUWJF leaders assured that steps would be taken to ensure the selection of a federation-affiliated journalist to district-level accreditation committees. Significantly, participants unanimously stated that GO 252 went against journalists’ interests and declared that the federation strongly rejected and condemned it.
In addition, the federation demanded that the government issue fair and just orders in favour of journalists. It also stressed the need to ensure equal treatment for media persons across all languages.
President of the Small and Medium Newspapers Association Rangasai described GO 252 as a “black law” and, in this context, explained the potential damage it could cause to small and medium newspapers.
TUWJF Treasurer M. A. Mohsin, along with joint secretaries, organising secretaries, executive members Khalil Farhad, M. A. Laeeq, Naeem Ghouri, Khalid Shahbaz and Wajid Hussaini, attended the meeting. Additionally, State core committee members and district presidents and secretaries were present. Syed Wajid Hussaini proposed a vote of thanks.
Later, a TUWJF delegation met Media Academy Chairman K. Srinivas Reddy and submitted a memorandum seeking amendments to GO 252. District representatives also joined the delegation during the interaction.