In a notable move to support the journalist community, MLA Shankar Jagtap has written to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner requesting a dedicated space in the city’s draft development plan for the construction of a journalists' building. The initiative is aimed at creating a well-equipped, independent, and legitimate platform for media professionals in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
On behalf of the Marathi Journalists’ Association, Jagtap was specially felicitated for raising important issues concerning journalists in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. During the felicitation event, a delegation led by the association’s state president, Kiran Joshi, met with the MLA and discussed the long-standing concerns faced by the journalist fraternity.
Reaffirming his commitment to the cause, Jagtap stated, “Journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy. I am fully aware of their concerns and will continue to stand by them for their rights and justice.” He also encouraged media professionals to hold public representatives accountable without fear.
MLA Jagtap has made several key demands in the Assembly under suggestion number 2473. These include the formation of the Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar Journalists Welfare Corporation to provide essential benefits such as health and accident insurance, pension schemes, housing, professional training, and incentive programs for journalists.
Additional demands put forth by Jagtap include:
Implementation of minimum wage, social security, and housing for journalists
Creation of a three-member committee comprising journalists, non-journalist staff, and media owners
Establishment of decentralized centers to extend benefits of government schemes to journalists in rural areas
Development of specific regulations to ensure discipline in the media sector
Jagtap's proactive efforts have brought long-pending demands to the attention of the state government, and there is growing optimism that his initiatives will result in concrete policy actions in the near future.
