Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath ’s adviser Awanish Awasthi on Wednesday supported journalists’ demand for a pension scheme and a national register of journalists, saying he would take up the issues with the state govt.
Speaking at a programme organised by the UP Working Journalists’ Union at the UP Press Club to mark the 76th foundation day of the Indian Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ), Awasthi said efforts would be made to extend social security benefits to journalists above 60 years of age.
He said he would discuss the proposed pension scheme with senior officials of the Information Department and convene a meeting with union office-bearers next week to deliberate on pending demands. “Whatever can be done at my level regarding journalists’ pension and welfare will be pursued,” Awasthi said. Backing the proposal for a national register of journalists, he said it would strengthen professional identity and create a structured mechanism for recognition of media persons. Awasthi described journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy and said media professionals must remain strong and independent while performing their responsibilities.
During the event, journalists submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi , raising concerns related to safety, welfare and professional security. Presiding over the programme, IFWJ president Gopal Mishra reiterated the demand for a national register and called for a comprehensive central law to ensure journalists’ safety and protection, urging stronger institutional safeguards for media workers.