TUWJ seeks amendments to G.O. 252 on journalist accreditation


Hyderabad (Same Day): The Telangana State Working Journalists’ Union (TUWJ) has urged the State government to make amendments to G.O. No. 252, which lays down revised guidelines for the issuance of accreditation cards to journalists.

A delegation of the Union, led by its State president K. Virahath Ali, met Revenue, Information & Public Relations and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy at the Secretariat on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum highlighting several concerns raised by journalists over the new norms.

Mr. Virahath Ali said the Union had conducted a detailed review of the Government Order and identified certain shortcomings that could adversely affect sections of the journalistic community. He emphasised that welfare measures extended by the government, including bus pass facilities, should be made uniformly applicable to reporters and desk journalists without any discrimination.

The delegation sought clarification and corrections regarding provisions related to cable television channels, stating that certain clauses in the G.O. lacked clarity. It also requested the government to revise the norm of issuing a single accreditation card per mandal, particularly in Greater Hyderabad and other major cities, and instead recognise multiple key datelines operating within the same mandal.

The Union further urged the government to issue accreditation cards to journalists working for small newspapers at the district level based on circulation, and to ensure that there is no reduction in the number of cards issued to journalists working with major newspapers and satellite news channels.

The memorandum also called for accreditation cards to be issued to print, electronic, video and camera journalists working for Delhi-based media organisations, based on recommendations from their respective offices. Given that Urdu is an official language of Telangana, the Union requested the creation of a separate category for Urdu journalists by identifying areas where Urdu newspapers have significant circulation, without linking eligibility to circulation or grading norms applicable to other languages.

The TUWJ also sought relaxation in the experience criteria prescribed for veteran and freelance journalists to enable them to obtain accreditation cards.

Responding to the representation, Mr. Srinivasa Reddy assured the delegation that a meeting with journalist organisations would be convened shortly to review the concerns and address any gaps in the G.O.

The delegation included TUWJ State vice general secretary Kalkuri Ramulu, State secretaries K. Srikanth Reddy and V. Yadagiri, treasurer M. Venkat Reddy, executive members A. Rajesh and M.D. Ghouse, HUJ president Shankar Goud, and representatives of small and medium newspaper associations, including Yusuf Babu and Ashok.

Separately, Information and Public Relations Commissioner Priyanka assured the Union that the written suggestions submitted on G.O. 252 would be examined. She said a consultative meeting with journalist organisations would be held after the Assembly session to gather their views.

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