Complaint System Launched for Journalists

The Commission for Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals has announced the immediate activation of its complaint mechanism, marking a significant step in safeguarding media workers. At the commission's third meeting, held on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the decision was endorsed, following discussions on the minutes of the previous session and an overview of progress on prior commitments.

Members agreed that receiving complaints manually, as an interim solution, would enable the commission to commence addressing grievances promptly before the online Complaint Management Portal is fully operational.

The commission pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address safety, protection, training, and welfare concerns for journalists and media professionals under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021. A representative from the Ministry of Human Rights pledged assistance in drafting the commission's rules and establishing frameworks for regular performance evaluations and key performance indicators.

The meeting also addressed the definitions of "journalist" and "media professional" under the 2021 Act, emphasizing the necessity of clarity to facilitate the commission's work and effectively process complaints within its statutory responsibilities. Discussions encompassed vital issues such as job security, delayed salaries, unpaid wages, welfare provisions, and the health and life insurance schemes provided by media organizations.

Safety measures and training facilities available to media personnel were scrutinized, with a consensus on enhancing coordination and consultation with stakeholders to bolster the implementation of the law and augment protection mechanisms for media workers. The commission's five committees were tasked with finalizing their recommendations before the next meeting, covering rule formulation, complaint management, training and welfare, the commission's operational plan, and the annual report.