Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) today expressed concern at the helpless working condition of mediapersons, particularly those employed with private television channels.
''Nearly 80 per cent working journalists of the state have to work with pitiable salaries, unlimited working hours without even a break in need and without any insurance facilities'', JFA President Rupam Barua and Secretary Nav Thakuria said in a statement.
Working journalists, engaged with satellite news channels of Assam, have to perform their duties in a vulnerable atmosphere with low wages, more than eight hours working period in a day, without appropriate leave days and off-days, and with no facility of life and health insurance coverage.
Whenever the demand for higher financial packages for the privately-owned television channel employees, including the working journalists is put forward, the owners argue that they are running a loss-making business.
The JFA has demanded a minimum starting salary of rupees 15,000 for the television media persons, engaged with the satellite news channels of Assam, with a daily working period of eight hours or less, and a dignified leave arrangement.
It also stated that all the employees working in newspaper or news channels should get facilities of Provident Fund, ESI according to the Labour Act and also a health and life insurance coverage without discrimination, the statement added.
