ITANAGAR, 3 Oct: The Arunachal Press Club (APC), Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and district press clubs on Saturday called on Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and raised issues concerning the welfare and professional interests of working journalists and strengthening of the media network across the state.

A key issue raised during the meeting at Mein's residence at Upper Niti Vihar here was the long-pending implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Working Journalists' Pension Scheme (APWJPS)-2020, announced in the state budget for 2019-20.

The delegation pointed out that the pension scheme had been discussed extensively with the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and had received Cabinet approval, but its implementation remained pending following objections at the bureaucratic level.

The media bodies also sought effective implementation of government directives concerning coordination of media-related activities through district press clubs.

The APC, which has five affiliated district press clubs in Ziro, Aalo, Raga, Pasighat and Seppa, sought clear directions to deputy commissioners to ensure that press conferences, media interactions, workshops and other media-related programmes are coordinated through the respective district press clubs.

Mein acknowledged the concerns raised by the journalists and suggested that the pension issue be pursued with the competent authorities for further necessary action.

He also acknowledged the role of the APC and APUWJ in promoting the welfare and professional interests of journalists and in strengthening their presence and support network across the districts.

Mein emphasised the need to create a conducive and supportive environment for working journalists so that they can discharge their responsibilities with independence, professionalism and dignity.

He also underlined the importance of free, fair and responsible journalism in keeping people informed and strengthening democratic institutions.