Dima Hasao journalists meet Assam CM, seek welfare measures

 Haflong, September 22: Members of the Dima Hasao Press Club on Tuesday met Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma in Diphu and submitted a memorandum seeking improved welfare support and developmental facilities for working journalists in the district.

The delegation highlighted the challenges faced by media professionals operating in the remote hill district. They stressed that journalists play a vital role in upholding democratic values by reporting accurately, raising public concerns and acting as a bridge between the government and the people. Despite their dedicated service, many continue to work without adequate infrastructure or welfare backing.

During the meeting, the press club representatives urged the state government to introduce suitable welfare schemes and basic facilities for accredited journalists. They also sought the construction of a dedicated press building in Haflong that could serve as a common venue for press conferences, meetings and training programmes.

The journalists further appealed for special consideration towards the families of long-serving media persons and requested the revival of organised exposure tours that earlier helped reporters gain wider knowledge of the state’s diverse culture and socio-economic conditions.

The memorandum expressed confidence that favourable consideration of these requests would enhance the dignity, security and professional efficiency of journalists serving in Dima Hasao. The representatives thanked the Chief Minister for granting them an audience and sought his kind intervention for early action.

The interaction underscores the growing demand for better institutional support for the media fraternity in Assam’s hill districts, where logistical and infrastructural constraints often affect day-to-day reporting.