Summit Report, Gangtok 17 Mar:
Press Club of Sikkim [PCS] and Journalist Union of Sikkim [JUS], following a joint meeting held here on Sunday, resolved to recognize only PCS and JUS members as ‘journalists’ in Sikkim.
The decision was taken during a special meeting held here at the Press Club of Sikkim office chaired jointly by PCS president Bhim Rawat and JUS president Sujal Pradhan.
A joint press release informs that the meeting discussed the defamatory allegations directed at journalists by certain individuals and political party workers on social media, as well as the misuse of press privileges by “so-called social media workers.”
It is added that after considering the objections, complaints, and suggestions presented by journalists in attendance, the meeting unanimously passed various proposals.
The meeting resolved that organisers of state-level programs must officially communicate with the Press Club of Sikkim and the Journalist Union of Sikkim for media coverage. In this regard, today’s meeting resolved that both organizations will jointly notify the Chief Minister’s Office, government departments, political parties, associations, and the IPR department about this decision.
The meeting passed a proposal that PCS and JUS will take responsibility for the security of its member journalists, adding that if any member is found violating the organization’s rules or engaging in actions that harm the dignity of journalism and the organizations, disciplinary action will be taken.
The meeting also passed the proposal recommending that the concerned educational institution heads and the District officials be notified if students are found attending events claiming to be journalists.
“Additionally, since there have been complaints about certain government employees misusing press cards, the concerned department’s secretary will be informed of such misuse,” the release adds.
The meeting also passed the proposal recommending that political parties or organizations hosting events be requested to ensure separate areas for mainstream journalists and party-affiliated social media workers during reporting to avoid confusion.
“Lastly, both organizations have taken serious note of the accusations and defamation directed at mainstream journalists on social media by political party workers and certain individuals. Both organizations have resolved that such serious accusations against mainstream journalists and made up press card holders, lumping them together as media workers, must stop. If any member of these two organizations is found engaging in activities that tarnish the dignity of journalism, people are requested to inform the Press Club and the Journalist Union of Sikkim,” the release adds.
