In a country as diverse and dynamic as India, journalists play a crucial role in upholding democracy, informing the public, and ensuring transparency. However, despite their invaluable contribution, journalists face numerous challenges—ranging from threats to physical safety to exploitation, inadequate financial compensation, and lack of social security. Often, these issues go unnoticed or unresolved. But this is where the Journalist Union of India, founded by Shri Achin Chakraborty, steps in to create a strong support system for journalists, empowering them and ensuring their rights and well-being are upheld.

Our Vision: A Future Where Journalists Are Empowered and Protected

At the heart of the Journalist Union of India is the belief that the safety and security of journalists are paramount. A free and fair press is essential to democracy, and journalists should be able to carry out their work without fear of retribution. The union’s mission is simple yet powerful: to safeguard the rights of journalists across India and to offer a network of support, resources, and protection.

Founded by Shri Achin Chakraborty, a dedicated advocate for media rights, the union seeks to address the gaps in the existing safety net for journalists. Whether it’s legal assistance, emotional support, or a reliable platform to voice their concerns, this union is here to stand by journalists in their fight for justice and fair treatment.

Our Mission: Advocating for Journalists’ Rights and Empowering the Fourth Estate

Our work goes beyond just advocacy. We are here to create real, tangible change in the lives of journalists. We aim to tackle workplace harassment, violence, exploitation, and any threat to a journalist’s livelihood. We are also deeply committed to securing social security benefits for journalists, recognizing them as key contributors to society’s well-being.

Key Objectives:

• Championing Journalists’ Rights: From fighting workplace harassment to advocating against violence and exploitation, we work relentlessly to ensure journalists are free to report without fear of retaliation.
• Legal and Emotional Support: Our services include legal assistance for workplace disputes and emotional counseling to help journalists navigate the personal challenges they may face in their profession.
• Social Security Advocacy: Journalists, like all essential workers, deserve robust social protection schemes. We strive to make sure that journalists are entitled to the same health insurance, life insurance, and pension benefits available to other professionals.

Our Story: A Vision Turned Into Action

The idea of the Journalist Union of India began when Shri Achin Chakraborty and his team traveled across the country to assess the most pressing issues facing journalists. They witnessed firsthand the significant threats to safety, financial instability, and lack of protection in the profession. Their findings led to the formation of a trade union under the Trade Union Act of 1926, marking a historic step toward securing the rights of journalists.

Our Key Achievements:

• Formation of the Registered Union: The trade union now operates across four key states—West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Delhi—offering journalists much-needed support through legal aid, workplace dispute resolution, and representation at the governmental level.
• Expanding Our Reach: While the union has made tremendous strides in these regions, it is actively working to expand its presence to more states, ensuring that journalists nationwide have the resources and backing they deserve.
• Direct Action: We take immediate action when journalists reach out to us with complaints. Whether it’s addressing issues with media houses directly or escalating matters to the Labour Commissioner, we ensure that journalists’ voices are heard.

Social Security for Journalists: Securing a Future for the Fourth Estate

Despite the essential role of journalists, many lack access to the necessary safety nets offered to other professionals. Our goal is to change that by ensuring journalists benefit from comprehensive social security, including health insurance, life insurance, and pension plans.

Key Actions and Advocacy:

• Engagement with Government Authorities: We collaborate with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Labour and Employment, and various state agencies to advocate for dedicated social security schemes for journalists.
• Campaigning for Legislative Change: We are lobbying for the inclusion of journalists in national social security schemes, ensuring that journalists have access to the same benefits as other workers.

Workplace Fairness and Dispute Resolution: Ensuring Justice for Journalists

Many journalists face exploitation in their workplaces, including delayed wages, poor working conditions, and even wrongful termination. We are committed to ensuring journalists are treated fairly, and when disputes arise, we take action.

Our Approach:

• Mediation: When conflicts occur, we strive to resolve issues through dialogue, facilitating open discussions between journalists and media houses.
• Escalation to Authorities: If a resolution isn’t reached through mediation, we escalate the issue to the relevant authorities, such as the Labour Commissioner, ensuring journalists’ rights are protected.
• Legal Support: We offer legal assistance to journalists involved in workplace disputes, helping them navigate contracts, negotiations, and disputes with media houses.

Empowering Journalists: Join Us in Creating Change

To realize our vision, we need collective action. We encourage all journalists, media professionals, and concerned citizens to join us in this mission. By becoming part of our union, you not only gain access to legal support and protection but also help us build a safer, more just media environment in India.

Benefits of Joining Our Union:

• Legal Aid: Access to free or subsidized legal support for disputes and harassment cases.
• Social Security: Benefit from health insurance, life insurance, and pension plans tailored for journalists.
• Workplace Protection: Advocate for fair wages, safer working conditions, and legal protections within media houses.
• Voice in Policy Changes: Engage in campaigns to push for better social security and rights for journalists.

Contact Us: We Are Here for You

Whether you’re dealing with workplace issues, personal safety concerns, or simply need guidance, our team is ready to help. We are dedicated to supporting journalists at every step of their journey and ensuring that their work is protected and valued.

For more information or assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to listen, guide, and support you in creating a better, safer future for journalism in India.