MLA Udhampur demands Press Colony for Jammu Journalists on the patteren of Kashmir

Jammu, March 13 (Scoop News) -: Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA Udhampur and State Present JKNPP on Saturday in Assembly staged walkout protesting the delay in construction of a Press Colony in Jammu. Earlier he raised the issue of non- construction of a residential colony for the press people in Jammu, Province.  Mankotia took the issue in the Legislative assembly through a calling attention motion/notice.

MLA Udhampur, Mr.  Mankotia highlighted the issues of the of the press people justifying and articulating their rightful demands.

 He said non-construction of a Press-Colony in Jammu is result of discriminatory attitude of the government even with the journalists of Jammu. “We are having a press colony in Kashmir but why not in Jammu” asked  MLA. 

Balwant Singh Mankotia said that the educated youth of the state are taking the profession of journalism as full time carrier but are not being provided better facilities.

He also raised the issue of low wages being paid to the working journalists.

The MLA sought attention of the government towards the plight of the poor working conditions. He said that we( government and opposition)  all should be thankful to the press and journalist as they are the medium to flow information from one end to other.

He said that the press is fourth pillar of democracy and it deserves respect and proper treatment.

 Housing facilities for press fraternity at appropriate time: Dy C.M

Giving reply over the calling attention notice of the Balwant Singh Mankotia government did not come with a clear reply and said that

“At present no housing colony is being developed either by JDA or by Housing Board in Jammu Province. The demand of press fraternity can be considered for allotment, along with others, as per existing policy (Housing Policy 2004) and norms as and when some colony is developed.

 The Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, who is also holding the charge of Housing and Urban Development, has said that Housing Policy 2004 formulated by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, among other things, envisages facilitation and creation of adequate housing to bring down the shortage of housing, and create legal, institutional and procedural changes to encourage increased public, private and cooperative sector investment in housing.

            Replying to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Mr. Balwant Singh Mankotia, in the Legislative Assembly today, regarding construction of a residential colony for press people in Jammu province. Tara Chand said that Jammu is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, in terms of population. This is putting a huge demand on land for residential purpose.

            He said that the Jammu Development Authority and the Housing Board are trying to cope-up with this demand. At present no housing colony is being developed either by JDA or by Housing Board in Jammu province. The demand of press fraternity can be considered for allotment, alongwith others, as per existing policy and norms as and when some colony is developed, Deputy Chief Minister added.

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