Sit-in gained national attention as prominent figures, including Shahnawaj Hasan, National General Secretary of the Bharti Shramjivi Patrakar Sangh (BSPS), and Ajay Kumar, Bihar BSPS chief extended their support by joining the demonstration. Journalists from various parts of the country also expressed solidarity, underlining the wider significance of the demands raised in Jharkhand

Sagar Suraj 

MOTIHARI: Journalists from across Jharkhand, under the aegis of the Jharkhand Journalist Association, staged a day-long dharna outside the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha, demanding the implementation of long-pending welfare and security measures for media professionals. The protest witnessed participation from a large number of journalists, reflecting growing discontent within the fraternity over unmet promises.

The sit-in gained national attention as prominent figures, including Shahnawaj Hasan, National General Secretary of the Bharti Shramjivi Patrakar Sangh (BSPS), and Ajay Kumar, Bihar BSPS chief extended their support by joining the demonstration. Journalists from various parts of the country also expressed solidarity, underlining the wider significance of the demands raised in Jharkhand.

Protesters reiterated their key demands, including the immediate implementation of a journalist pension scheme, free health insurance, housing facilities for landless journalists, and the enactment of a comprehensive journalist protection law.

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 They also called for the formation of an elected accreditation committee with authority over advertisement policies, arguing that such reforms are essential to ensure transparency and independence in media operations.

The association highlighted that similar welfare schemes are already operational in states like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Telangana, and Maharashtra, and urged the Jharkhand government to follow suit.

 It also recalled assurances made by Hemant Soren prior to the Assembly elections regarding the fulfillment of these demands within a stipulated timeframe.
Despite more than a year having passed since the formation of the current government, the journalists alleged that no concrete steps have been taken. 
They warned that if their demands continue to be ignored, they would be compelled to intensify their agitation in the coming days.
The protest concluded peacefully, with a renewed call for dialogue and swift government action to safeguard the rights and welfare of journalists in the state.