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Journalists’ bodies want electronic & digital media under Working Journalists Act’s ambit
NEW DELHI: The National Alliance of Journalists Unions today submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi urging the Government to uphold the livelihood rights of journalists and their right to practice their profession in a safe environment.
Director V Seshadri, who received the memorandum, assured the journalists’ unions that the PMO would take due note of their concerns.
The journalists unions pointed to the dangers of eroding the legislative protection available in the Working Journalists’ Act regarding working conditions and wages.
Despite Supreme Court rulings upholding the validity of the Majithia Wage Board Award for journalists and other newspaper employees, most newspaper establishments have refused to implement it, they said.
If this wage board award is undermined by the recalcitrance of newspaper owners, then it is unlikely that the Working Journalists’ Act will survive as a protective legislation, the National Alliance warned.
They demanded an end to the contract system of employment and asked for extending the application of the Working Journalists Act to the electronic and digital media.
The National Alliance called for a new Media Commission to look into the state of affairs in the media, where unviable revenue models are forcing news media to function as an appendage to entertainment, real estate and other sectors. Rapid changes in the landscape media require a new regulatory framework that preserves the fundamental rights to speak and be informed, they said.
The unions also called for measures to protect journalists from physical attacks, legal persecution and arbitrary actions by the authorities.
The memorandum as also signed by office-bearers of Delhi Union of Journalists; Andhra Pradesh Working Journalists Federation’ and Telengana Working Journalists Federation.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
