Telangana’s Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding journalists’ rights and welfare under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Chairing a review meeting at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Secretariat on Monday, the Minister directed officials to ensure that all eligible journalists receive accreditation cards in a transparent and fair manner. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Special Chief Secretary (Home) Ravi Gupta, Press Academy Chairman K. Srinivasa Reddy, I&PR Special Commissioner Ch. Priyanka, and CPRO G. Malsur, who collectively discussed reforms aimed at strengthening journalist support systems.

A key decision made during the meeting was the reconstitution of the high-power committee that addresses issues related to attacks on journalists. Ponguleti highlighted that a 2008 government order concerning the committee, issued by the then Congress government in undivided Andhra Pradesh, had not been repealed even after Telangana’s formation. The Minister also announced the restructuring of the tripartite committee on journalists’ salaries and allowances, ensuring better representation and fairer practices. Additionally, officials were instructed to collaborate with the Arogyasri department to design a comprehensive health insurance policy tailored to journalists’ needs, an initiative that is expected to provide long-term security for media professionals across the state.

Further directives included the development of a dedicated online portal for accreditation applications to simplify access and reduce bureaucratic delays. Ponguleti also welcomed the Press Academy’s proposal to revive awards for journalists, stressing that recognition of professional excellence is vital for maintaining morale within the media fraternity. Senior officials, including Arogyasri CEO Uday Kumar and Additional Commissioner of Labour Gangadhar, participated in the deliberations, underscoring the government’s multi-departmental approach. The initiatives signal a broader effort by the Telangana government to strengthen its relationship with the press while addressing long-standing demands for fairness, transparency, and welfare benefits for journalists.