The meeting, attended by delegates from across India and abroad, was inaugurated by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and current Member of Parliament, Jagdambika Pal. The event witnessed participation from representatives of the Nepal Press Union and the Bangladesh Press Union, strengthening international solidarity among journalists.
Pal assured that he would bring the concerns raised during the meeting to Parliament for discussion.
In his inaugural speech, Jagdambika Pal expressed his strong support for the IJU’s demands and reiterated that the issues raised during the NEC meeting would be presented in Parliament. Pal, a Member of Parliament from the BJP, assured the attendees that he would work towards addressing these concerns at the highest legislative levels.
“Journalists play an essential role in a democracy, and their safety and well-being should always be prioritized. I will make sure these critical issues are brought to Parliament,” he assured.
At the heart of the discussions was the demand for a Journalists’ Safety Law, designed to provide stronger protection against violence and intimidation faced by reporters. The IJU leadership pointed out the increasing number of attacks on journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive issues, and emphasized the need for legal safeguards. Additionally, the union stressed the urgency of a uniform pension scheme for journalists, advocating for a consistent and reliable financial security framework for the profession.
The meeting also raised concerns about the impact of India’s digital laws, which, according to the IJU, have become increasingly repressive. The union called for amendments to these laws, citing their potential to stifle press freedom and curtail the rights of journalists to report freely, without fear of surveillance, punishment, or censorship.
In his presidential address, Geethartha Pathak, IJU President, stressed the critical importance of defending journalism, free speech, and the core values of democracy. He acknowledged the growing challenges faced by the journalism community in India, especially under increasing pressure from various political and social forces. Pathak highlighted that despite the threats, journalists cannot and should not be silenced.
“Journalism in India is under siege. However, our commitment to truth, democracy, and justice must remain stronger than the pressures we face. Let’s leave this meeting with renewed determination – to protect journalism, to defend free speech, and to strengthen our union,” said Pathak. He reaffirmed the IJU’s mission to continue being the voice of journalists and the conscience of democracy in India.
Pathak also addressed the evolving media landscape, urging journalists to embrace new technologies, including digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), while adhering to ethical standards, credibility, and public trust. He acknowledged the opportunities that AI presents for data analysis, investigative reporting, and content automation but also pointed out the challenges it brings, including the risk of job losses, ethical dilemmas, and the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation.
“The digital era offers great opportunities, but it also presents new challenges. AI can enhance journalism, but it must not come at the cost of ethics or the truth,” Pathak added, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that technological advancements do not compromise journalistic integrity.
A Roadmap for the Future
Pathak outlined a detailed one-year roadmap for the IJU, which includes several initiatives aimed at strengthening the union and safeguarding the rights of journalists. Key proposals include:
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National Legal Aid Cell: Establishing a dedicated legal cell to assist journalists facing police cases or harassment.
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Safety Helpline: Launching a safety helpline to provide immediate assistance for journalists under attack or threat.
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Capacity Building and Training: Providing skills training for journalists, especially in areas like digital reporting and investigative journalism.
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International Advocacy Partnerships: Building solidarity with international media organizations like the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
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Journalist Protection Bill: Continuing to lobby for the passage of the Journalist Protection Bill, which remains pending in Parliament.
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Youth Recruitment and Digital Engagement: Encouraging affiliates to recruit younger journalists, particularly those skilled in digital journalism, and to create state-level solidarity funds to assist distressed journalists.
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Special Campaigns: Launching campaigns focused on critical issues like climate journalism, combating fake news, and protecting democratic rights.
Global Solidarity and Advocacy
IJU Secretary-General Sabina Inderjeet voiced strong support for global journalistic solidarity, particularly highlighting the plight of Palestinian journalists who have faced violence during the Israel-Gaza conflict. She expressed deep concern over the growing attacks on journalists who are critical of the ruling government in India.
She also pointed out that journalists globally, including those in conflict zones, should not be silenced, and that global advocacy is needed to stand up for press freedom and the safety of journalists everywhere. “We need to be proactive in raising our voices against the impunity with which journalists are attacked — both in India and globally,” Sabina said, calling on IJU members to take action.
The two-day IJU NEC meeting in Siddharth Nagar concluded with a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and rights of journalists across India. As the media landscape evolves with new technological advances, the IJU remains determined to navigate these changes while safeguarding the foundational principles of journalism.
With the rise of digital platforms and AI, alongside increasing threats to press freedom, the need for a strong, united response from both national and international journalist organizations has never been greater. The road ahead for the IJU will involve both advocacy for legislative reform and the strengthening of journalistic ethics and solidarity within the profession.