Andhra Pradesh government committed to journalists’ welfare, say Ministers

The State government is committed to the welfare of journalists and all promises made in the joint manifesto of the coalition parties will be implemented, said Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, while attending the 36th State Maha Sabha of the Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) held in Ongole on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the crucial role journalists play in shaping the society. He lauded their unwavering service, often in challenging situations such as natural disasters, wars and critical national events, without expecting personal gain.

The housing plots were allotted to journalists during the tenure of the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government but YSR Congress Party-led government has ignored and neglected the journalist welfare initiatives, Mr. Ravi Kumar alleged. He announced that the government will soon revive the insurance facility which was available to the journalists in the TDP rule.

He added that he had already facilitated housing plots for some journalists and is currently working to provide accessible plots for others as well. He stated that steps are being taken to issue accreditation cards to all working journalists in the State. He has already discussed this with the Minister concerned and assured that the process will start soon.

Social Welfare Minister Dr. Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy said that the coalition government will always be at the forefront in providing benefits to the journalists. He said that the government will promote the welfare of the journalists.

He informed that a committee of Ministers has been appointed to look into the issue of the accreditation cards.

The event saw participation from Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu, several MLAs, and a large number of journalist union leaders as well as members of the APUWJ.