In Rayagada: Media Cares’ discourse on potentialities and challenges of journalists
News Odishabarta
Rayagada, January 20: The state level journalist organization Media Cares Odisha was formed to work on health issues of journalists and their family members affected by COVID-19. Till date, about 250 journalists of Rayagada district have come together and extended a helping hand to each other on a sustained basis. It has become a matter of pride and honour for all of us, said District Chairman Dr. Badal kumar Tah on the occasion of the annual conference of Media Cares.
The conference moderated by senior journalist Rashmiranjan Dora began with lighting of lamps before photo of Lord Jagannath by the guests. Tribute to late thirty three journos was paid through silent prayers. Janmejay Swain elaborated contribution of fourteen senior journalists above sixty years of the district. He expressed concern about their special health priorities and demanded family pension like other states with immediate effect.
General Secretary Ranjan Rath read the report card and Treasurer Goparanjan Baxipatra presented the financial reports. Dayanand Khadanga and Manoranjan Dalei led a lively discussion on the opportunities and challenges of journalists.
There are several declared facilities by the Government. But many family members of deceased press reporters are yet to receive Rs.15 lakhs ex-gratia. No one
has received educational assistance for their children. Not a single reporter has availed four or two wheeler or housing loan as per govt order. Hardly any one received professional training in IIMC as said by Govt.
Odisha government has declared working journalists as Front Line Workers (FLWs) and has directed Govt to be vaccinated on priority basis. The state government should write to the central government to declare working journalists as FLWs. If this is done, then they will be covered under insurance up to Rs 50 lakh. These are just few demands on points declared by the state. be implemented. BJP Govt is yet to realise the assurances made in their manifesto.
Yogesh Das, Seemanchal Panda, Niranjan Pal and Anil Sahukar discussed about future course of action. Munna Pani, Prashant Kar, Prasad Lima, Sonu Bagh, Sibram Nayak, Prashant Senapati, Umakant Nemalpuri, Akshey Pidisika, Bidya Bhushan Panda, Deepak Prusty, Guru Sahu, Ajay Rath, Rabindra Patakhandal and many other journalists deliberated on several aspects of media sector.
“It has been possible to alleviate many problems without any organised funding and overcome many issues only because of our strong collective efforts and peer help.
There is a lot more to be done by us, for us like group insurance, etc. We are able to work together and in the future also, we need to work in a sustained basis,” said senior journalist and founder state president of Media Cares Bhakta Tripathy, who joined as chief guest. Veteran media representatives namely Ranjan Kumar Das, Subhadarshini Mishra from SUM hospital, Sameer Kumar Acharya, Narayan Sahu were felicitated for their immense medical support to journalists and their family members during Corona. Apart from this, Dr. Rajendra Mandal, working at Utkal Alumina Hospital, and Kiran Kumar Patra, working at Rayagada District Hospital, were felicitated for their unwavering support to journalists during the Covid period.
Founder state president Tripathy announced the names of the nominated district committee members of Media Cares Rayagada for the year 2026-27.
