SJFI DEMANDS NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME FOR SENIOR JOURNALISTS

The condition of senior journalists across India today is vulnerable and precarious. In most States, journalists who have superannuated from the profession find themselves in serious financial difficulties amidst a plethora of problems, including various ailments, unresolved family burdens and loneliness. 

With no regular income, the basic challenge is one of making both ends meet. In the case of many, medical expenses of self and spouse are unbearably high. Support from children is hardly a solace because they too have their family units to support. 

This grave situation needs to be addressed with great urgency. This first national conference of the Senior Journalists Federation of India, therefore, calls upon the Government of India to urgently implement a National Pension Scheme that covers all eligible senior journalists across the country. 

Since the current generation of senior journalists do not earn any specified income, the Pension Scheme should be funded by the Central Government. The Government of India supports media houses heavily by way of advertisements, a specific percentage of the advertisement payout could be earmarked for the welfare scheme. 

The Government should have consultations with journalist associations making the proposed National Pension Scheme contributory to make its benefits available to journalists who retire from the profession. The proposed National Pension Scheme should not displace the pension schemes currently in operation in various States unless so decided  and sought by the senior journalists. 

The Government should immediately constitute an Expert Committee, with representatives of the SJFI and various working journalists' associations, to begin consultations on the National Pension Scheme.