GUWAHATI: The Gauhati Press Club has appealed to the Assam government for the allotment of land to construct a permanent office building and for support in introducing a group health insurance scheme for journalists and media workers.
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In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Secretary of the Assam government, the press club highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by journalists in Guwahati, despite the city being the centre of the state's media activities.
The memorandum stated that the Gauhati Press Club, with more than 1,500 members, has been serving as a bridge between the media, the public, and the administration for over five decades. It has also been working for the welfare and training of journalists and media workers. However, despite completing over 50 years, the organisation still does not have a permanent office building in the state capital.
At present, the club functions from a temporary location on land belonging to the Archaeology Department. According to the memorandum, the absence of a permanent building has limited the expansion of the club’s activities, even though journalists have long wanted better facilities.
The press club pointed out that the media industry in Assam has expanded rapidly over the years, with growth in newspapers, television channels, and digital platforms enriching the state's journalism landscape. Since most media houses are headquartered in Guwahati, the number of journalists and media workers in the city has increased significantly, and the club’s membership has crossed 1,500.
Despite this growth, the club said there is still no permanent space where journalists can access modern technical facilities, training opportunities, health check-up services, or even basic recreational and rest arrangements.
In view of this, the press club has requested the government to allot at least 1 bigha and 5 lechas of land at a suitable location in Guwahati for the construction of a permanent press club building.
The memorandum also raised concerns over the lack of financial security for journalists and media workers in Assam. It said that although thousands of journalists are currently working in Guwahati, many of them do not have any form of life or health security.
To address this issue, the Gauhati Press Club has proposed the introduction of a group insurance scheme for its eligible members. The club said it is planning to implement the scheme with the help of a public sector institution and has sought the Chief Secretary’s support in preparing and processing the project proposal.
Describing both issues as urgent, the press club urged the state government to treat them as priority matters. It expressed hope that government support would help address the long-pending needs of journalists and media workers in Guwahati.
The memorandum was signed by Gauhati Press Club president Khagen Kalita and general secretary Amarendra Deka.