The National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Indian Journalists Union (IJU) concluded in Siddharth Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, on September 19 with a strong call for the enactment of a journalist safety law and the implementation of a uniform pension scheme for journalists across the country.
Delegates from across India, along with representatives from the Nepal Press Union and the Bangladesh Press Union, attended the two-day meeting held on September 18–19.
The NEC demanded immediate steps to protect journalists from violence and intimidation, amendment of repressive digital laws threatening press freedom, and measures to ensure financial security for working and retired journalists.
In his presidential address, IJU President Geethartha Pathak underscored the need to safeguard free speech, strengthen the union, and address challenges posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digitalization. He also presented a one-year roadmap for IJU, which includes establishing a national legal aid cell, launching a safety helpline, organizing capacity-building programs, and forging international advocacy partnerships.
The meeting expressed solidarity with journalists worldwide, particularly those working in conflict zones.
The event was inaugurated by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Jagdambika Pal, who assured that he would raise the issues highlighted by IJU in parliament.