Clarification should be given on the school fee concession scheme: Appeal from non-accredited journalists

Non-accredited journalists are demanding that clear guidelines be issued on the GO issued by NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha to provide concession in school fees to the children of journalists. They said that many journalists are in dilemma due to the lack of clarity on whether the fee concession mentioned in the GO applies only to accredited journalists or to the children of all journalists working in the district. They said that many journalists who are constantly collecting news on government programs, public issues, development works and social issues in the district and conveying it to the people are providing professional services despite not being accredited. They felt that it is not reasonable to take the lack of accreditation as the only criterion and deprive them of the benefits of welfare schemes. They urged that the identity of a journalist is not limited to a government accreditation card, but that every journalist who works with commitment in news collection, verification and publication is a journalist. He said that accreditation is only an administrative facility provided by the government or related organizations for official events, media conferences and special access. He said that the real standards in the profession of journalism are fact-finding, ethical values, commitment to public interest and responsible news reporting. He reminded that many freelance journalists, reporters and documentary producers across the country are providing distinguished services and bringing key stories to light without accreditation. In this context, the District Collector appealed to review the provisions of the GO once again and give a clear explanation so that the fee concession is applicable to the children of all eligible journalists. He also asked to take steps to ensure that all journalists get equal respect, recognition and welfare benefits.