Uttar Pradesh Journalists’ Historic Struggle Bears Fruit: State Government Accedes to All Demands, Pension Scheme to be Implemented from January 1, 2026,
NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW: The years-long struggle of journalists and media organizations in Uttar Pradesh has finally paid off! Lucknow, the state capital, today became an example of journalistic unity and struggle, where the continuous efforts of the Indian Media Foundation (BMF) and other journalist organizations compelled the government to yield. Just before the massive journalists’ protest in Lucknow on June 25, a delegation of journalists held intense negotiations with the government and achieved a historic consensus that had been awaited for years.
A.K. Bindusar, founder of the Indian Media Foundation, stated that the government has announced 8 major benefits for journalists, which is a great relief and a matter of respect for the journalistic community. BMF warmly welcomed this step by the government and extended its heartiest congratulations on behalf of the organization.
These Are the 8 Major Benefits Granted to Journalists:
- Launch of Pension Scheme: The Journalists’ Pension Scheme will be implemented from January 1, 2026. Under this scheme, a list of approximately 148 journalists from district and state headquarters has been prepared who will benefit from it.
- Funds for Treatment at PGI: An amount of ₹24 lakh has been released for the treatment of journalists at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGI), along with an additional ₹2 lakh also sanctioned.
- Amendment in Health Expense Approval: The government order for the approval of health expenses will be amended. Now, treatment facilities will also be available on recognized journalist cards, making the process smoother.
- Journalist Housing Scheme Approved: A consensus has been reached to introduce a new housing scheme similar to “Patrakar Puram,” which will help solve the housing problems of journalists.
- Appointment of Nodal Officer at PGI: A nodal officer will be appointed for journalists at PGI, who will ensure the quick resolution of their health treatment-related issues.
- Ayushman Card Issues Resolved: Problems encountered in treatment with Ayushman Cards have been resolved. Senior officials resolved these issues on the spot, enabling journalists to receive treatment without hassle.
- Assistance to Family in Case of Accidental Death: A new government order will be issued to provide financial assistance to the families of journalists in case of their accidental death. This proposal is in the process of approval.
- Formation of District Coordination Committee: A district coordination committee will be formed in every district, where regular monthly meetings will be held between the District Magistrate (DM), Superintendent of Police (SP), and journalists. This step will help in the quick resolution of local-level problems faced by journalists.
Path to Success: Negotiation and Unity
In Lucknow, the journalists’ delegation first met with the state government’s Finance Minister, Hon. Suresh Khanna, and submitted their demands in the form of a document. The minister immediately took these demands seriously, issued instructions to the concerned officials, and arranged a meeting with the Director of Information for the very next day.
In the intensive meeting of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes held with the Director of Information at Lok Bhawan on June 25, all major problems of journalists were presented one by one, and one-to-one solutions were found.
The unity of hundreds of journalists from across the state showed that when voices are raised, power has to bow down. The journalists leading the movement thanked all their colleagues and stated, “We made demands, the government agreed – now it’s our responsibility to ensure that the promises are delivered on the ground.”
The journalistic community has called this not just an assurance, but the beginning of concrete action. This is not just a one-day movement, but a victory in the fight for the respect, security, and future of journalism. The historic consensus reached on all these issues – pension, treatment, housing, and justice – will provide new stability and dignity to journalism in the times to come.
A.K. Bindusar called upon all journalists and social workers to remain united and continue to raise their voices for their and other important demands.
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