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Some journalists misusing position: Achuthanandan

Staff Reporter

Chief Minister inaugurates new hall of Thrissur Press Club

THRISSUR: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has alleged that some journalists in the State are misusing their position and making personal gains.

He was addressing a meeting to inaugurate the renovated hall of the Thrissur Press Club on Sunday. ``These journalists corner benefits and serve as intermediaries between businessmen and power centres. They bring disgrace to the community of journalists. Press clubs allegedly abuse power and receive immoderate donations,'' he said. The Chief Minister said the employer-employee relationship in the field of journalism was different from that in other professions. ``Even as he is paid by his employer, the journalist should honour his commitment to the people and uphold the role of media in society.''

Mr. Achuthanandan said that journalists faced hardship. ``They work day and night. Present wages and benefits do not compensate for the work and mental stress. Employment on contract is exploitative. The Union Government has not appointed a wage board even 10 years after the previous one,'' he said.

The Chief Minister said the State Government would do everything possible to improve the lot of journalists.

``The Government sanctioned Rs.10 lakh and Rs.15 lakh for an insurance scheme for journalists in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The pension scheme for journalists now included representatives of the visual media. A committee appointed to study the possibility of setting up a welfare fund for journalists will submit its report within three months. The Government has agreed to extend accreditation facilities to those who work in the desk,'' he said.

C.K. Chandrappan, MP, Mayor R. Bindu, District Collector M. Beena, M.K. Krishnakumar, president, Thrissur Press Club, and Saji Mulanthuruthy, secretary, were among those present on the occasion.

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