Kohima, February 27 (MExN): The Kohima Press Club (KPC) has written to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, drawing his attention to expedite the implementation of a pension scheme for journalists in Nagaland.
In a memorandum to the Chief Minister dated February 25, 2026, the KPC reiterated its earlier representation that considering the demanding nature of journalism as a profession, the implementation of a pension scheme for journalists in the state is crucial towards ensuring financial security to journalists in their post-retirement period.
“This would also be a significant step at acknowledging the vital contributions of the Fourth Estate to the society,” stated the release issued by KPC President, Alice Yhoshü and General Secretary, Vishü Rita Krocha.
The KPC mentioned that almost all the states, including the neighbouring Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram etc., already have their journalists’ pension scheme in place since the 1990s and the latest being in 2022 (Mizoram), where senior journalists are already enjoying the benefits of the scheme.
Pointing out that the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has already put up a proposal in this regard as per the press body’s earlier representations, the club appealed to the chief minister to look into the matter with urgency and take further necessary action at the earliest.
Journalists among lowest paid
KPC in its letter acknowledged and expressed appreciation to CM for the contributions he has made so far towards the welfare of the press fraternity in the state, including the permanent KPC building in the state capital which is currently under construction. However, the press club stated that it would be remiss on its part if it failed to raise the other growing concerns that continue to confront the expanding media fraternity in Nagaland.
The club highlighted the need for a periodical enhancement of operational subsidy which is provided to journalists accredited under the Government of Nagaland. “We believe that the enhancement and periodical increments would provide substantial support to journalists who remain among the lowest paid professionals in the private sector,” it stated.
It also proposed that the coverage of Journalists’ Welfare Fund should be extended to cover the dependents of working journalists, which it stated would provide vital support to those most dependent on journalists’ earnings.
Urges govt to regulate media access
Referring to the concern recently raised by the Mokokchung Press Club over the increasing public confusion between professional journalism and unregulated media content, KPC asserted that it held similar concerns.
It maintained that it is “deeply disturbed” at the way the rise of unverified social media contents is creating confusion among the public while consuming news, and also how it is affecting the very profession of journalists who go the extra mile in gathering news.
Further, the KPC urged for ensuring protocol in matters relating to state government’s official press conferences and events, which it said, would go a long way in streamlining the immediate aforementioned concerns as well.
