Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom and journalist rights while presenting the Union Territory’s maiden budget. He announced plans to strengthen press infrastructure by setting up dedicated press clubs in both Jammu and Kashmir. These press clubs will serve as dedicated spaces for journalists, ensuring they have the necessary facilities to work efficiently and safely.
“We are committed to upholding journalist freedom and protecting their rights. The government will strengthen press infrastructure by providing dedicated space for journalists in Jammu as well as Kashmir,” Omar stated in the assembly.
The move is expected to enhance journalistic operations in the region, providing better working conditions for media professionals. Press freedom has remained a crucial concern in Jammu and Kashmir, and the government’s initiative aims to address some of the challenges faced by journalists.
On January 17, 2022, LG led JK administration took control of the Kashmir Press Club on grounds of a potential law and order situation, days after it kept its re-registration on hold and said that the club ceased to exist as a registered body. In a statement of protest, the elected body of the Kashmir Press Club later said the aim of the government was to shut down the club and “stifle the voice of journalists in Kashmir”.
Today, Omar Abdullah presented the JK Budget, which included several key allocations such as ₹86 crore for a 250-bedded maternity and child care hospital in Anantnag, ₹10 crore for six new helipads across J&K, and ₹110 crore for CT scan facilities in all district hospitals.
