MWB sought time from Haryana CM to launch a free cashless insurance policy for journalists and their families
Haryana (The Uttam Hindu): A delegation from the Media Wellbeing Association met with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini at his residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, on Saturday. A detailed memorandum of demands was submitted to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, led by Chandrashekhar Dharni, President of the Media Wellbeing Association (MWBA), with the aim of ensuring the social, economic, and professional well-being of Haryana's journalist community, the fourth pillar of democracy. Led by Chandrashekhar Dharni, Thaneshwar Sharma, Yogendra Sharma, and Pawan Chopra submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister regarding the demands of journalists.
MWB President Chandrashekhar Dharni requested CM Saini for an early date for the launch of the organization's free cashless health insurance policies for journalists and their families. CM Saini assured that a time for this event would be provided soon.
Chandrashekhar Dharni informed CM Nayab Singh Saini that the Media Wellbeing Association has created a new chapter in Indian history by providing cashless insurance to journalists and their families. Dharni stated that the organization is the first journalist organization in Indian history to provide insurance without charging any fees to any member. Media Wellbeing became the first journalist organization in India to offer cashless insurance to journalists. Previously, MWB had been providing free term insurance and accidental insurance to journalists.
MWB also provides financial assistance to journalists and their families in the event of illness, illness, or critical illness. Former Chief Minister Manohar Lal, now a Union Minister, launched the first term insurance policies three years ago. Energy Minister Anil Vij launched a free accidental insurance policy four years ago. All these free policies for journalists continue to be renewed annually.
The memorandum presented to the MWB delegation outlined long-standing demands of journalists, including important issues ranging from pension reforms to education and employment reservations. Dharani stated that journalists, through impartial and fearless journalism, serve as a strong bridge between society and government, conveying the voices of the people to the administration. Therefore, it is essential to take concrete steps to protect them. Earlier, the then Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had inspected the insurance policies launched by the MWBA at the Chief Minister's residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, which instilled new hope in the journalist community. The organization is confident that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, a positive decision will be taken on these demands soon. Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini also praised the Media Well Being Association, stating that the association is doing excellent work in the interest of journalists. He assured that the demands raised by the association will be seriously considered so that a plan can be developed to provide them with benefits. The Chief Minister expressed his intention to soon attend the launch of the insurance policies provided by the association to journalists.
Dharani brought to the CM's attention that the organization has also made a request to his Media Secretary Praveen A and the Director General of Police (DGP).
Among the demands submitted in the memorandum, the MWBA demanded pension reforms.
The MWBA primarily demanded a minimum monthly pension of ₹30,000 for journalists after retirement. The current pension rules are complex and rigid, so they are urged to simplify, make them transparent, and practical so that no deserving journalist is left out. Digital and freelance journalists will benefit, in particular, by eliminating the five-year mandatory accreditation requirement. They also called for granting full pension rights to journalists who have completed a minimum of 15 years of active journalistic service and setting the minimum age limit for pension at 58 years. These reforms will provide financial stability to journalists, especially after risky journalistic careers.
The organization stated that these changes will empower hundreds of journalists who lack accreditation in the digital age, providing a strong foundation for journalism in the state.
The memorandum stated that the social media policy should be simplified and made inclusive, so that more journalists can benefit from it. Current policies are complex, often excluding journalists active on digital platforms, even though social media is an integral part of journalism today. The MWBA emphasized that simplification will provide recognition and benefits to young journalists. Journalists' families should receive cashless medical care.