DUJ Calls for Parliamentary Debate on Press Freedom
ON Independence Day, August 15, the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) addressed a memorandum to the Members of Parliament to take up the urgent concerns of journalists and press freedom in the ongoing Monsoon Session.
The DUJ noted that India’s Independence Day this year comes at a time of global turmoil, pointing to the continuing war in Ukraine, escalating trade disputes, and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where more than 60,000 people, including journalists, have been killed. Within India, the union recalled the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, rising economic distress due to US tariffs, and widespread workers’ unrest against the four new Labour Codes.
In the memorandum to MPs, the DUJ criticised the government for ignoring journalists’ concerns in Parliament so far. It said that the repeal of the Working Journalists Acts of 1955 and 1958, instead of strengthening them to cover electronic and digital media workers, has stripped journalists of hard-won protections. These Acts, the union emphasized, were historic gains of freedom fighters who sought to ensure press freedom in independent India.
The DUJ also expressed disappointment that, 15 years after the Majithia Wage Board’s recommendations were accepted, no new wage board has been constituted. “This neglect has severely impacted the lives of journalists and press workers across the country,” it said.
Highlighting India’s steady decline in the World Press Freedom Index, the DUJ pointed out that since 2010, at least 15 journalists and two media managers have faced charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with some still imprisoned. Many others have faced retrenchment as media houses bow to pressures from corporate funders and governments.
The memorandum also reiterated objections raised by 22 journalists’ unions and press clubs to the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023. The DUJ said the law “directly undermines journalists’ fundamental rights under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution,” warning that it could curtail investigative journalism and the free flow of information.
Calling for urgent intervention, the DUJ urged parliamentarians to debate these issues and press the government to restore, rather than erode, protections for journalists. “So far, no discussion has been held on the precarious situation of journalists or the attack against press freedom. We request you to raise these matters in Parliament without delay,” the memorandum concluded.
The DUJ urged Parliament to immediately consider the following measures:
· Law to protect journalists from arbitrary arrests and malicious prosecution, ensuring they are not treated as terrorists.
· Amendments to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 to safeguard freedom of expression and press freedom.
· Creation of a common Media Council covering print, electronic, and digital media, with representation from journalists’ unions and public figures.
· Constitution of a new Media Commission, on the lines of the earlier Press Commissions, to address sweeping changes in the industry, labour conditions, and workers’ rights.
· Checks on cross-media ownership to ensure plurality and accountability.
· Support for national language media through a National Newspaper and Feature Agencies Development Corporation.
· Repeal of the four Labour Codes and restoration of the Working Journalists Acts, expanded to cover digital and broadcast media.
· Implementation of Wage Board recommendations with fast-track courts to clear pending cases, and the constitution of a new Wage Board.
· Risk insurance and pension schemes for journalists and media workers, noting that current pensions are “a pittance.”
· Financial support for United News of India (UNI) to ensure salaries and dues are paid, and an end to discrimination against PTI.
· Legal protections for freelancers, stringers, and consultants, who now form a growing section of the workforce without security or welfare.
