Srinagar, Nov 01: President of the Press Club of Kashmir, Mohammad Saleem Pandit, has lauded the Information and Public Relations Department’s directive to curb the impersonation of fake and unqualified “journalists” involved in blackmail, extortion, and circulation of unverified content against officials, institutions, and individuals.
The Press Club of Kashmir has already moved to the J&K High Court for a writ of mandamus and sought direction to J&K government to fix graduation as the minimum qualification for journalists and photojournalists and preferably a graduation in Mass Communication or PG.
“However, the Court has admitted the writ and issued notice to the UT government to formalise modalities for fixing qualification for the journalists in Jammu and Kashmir to arrest the misuse of the right to express under Article 19 (a),” Saleem Pandit said in a statement.
Notably, Pandit is also in receipt of the letter from Labour Commissioner, which seeks the details of all journalists working with various media houses in Kashmir valley, to make available their PF details to ensure old pension to them after having rendered 20 years of service in the field of journalism.
The president further welcomed Information Department order, which directed all DIOs to exercise heightened vigilance and ensure several measures, including maintaining and regularly updating a verified list of accredited, authorised and bona fide media persons operating within the district, in consultation with Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) and media houses.
“Ensure that press releases, media invites, and official briefings are shared only with verified and recognised journalists or media outlets through email and social media channels. Keep a close watch and immediately report any person or entity misusing media credentials, indulging in coercion, or attempting to malign officials, institutions, or private individuals for personal or financial gain.”
The press club demand has been partially met by the issuance of the communique, which instructed DIOs to sensitise local media houses and advise editors to exercise due diligence while engaging correspondents, freelancers, or stringers in the field, and engage only qualified, credible, and verified correspondents, ensuring issuance of proper verifiable authorisation letters and ID cards.
