Gadwal: The District Collector of Jogulamba Gadwal, Shri B.M. Santhosh, IAS, has taken a notable step to support journalists by recommending the allocation of house sites for eligible reporters in Ieeja Mandal. This initiative aims to provide social security to journalists who strengthen democracy and public awareness.
Local journalist associations have persistently asked for help. The Nadigadda Journalists Seva Samithi, Ieeja, submitted requests on 02.07.2024 and 13.07.2024, emphasizing the urgent need for permanent housing. Similarly, the Ieeja Journalist Welfare Association made an appeal on 26.07.2024. Many journalists in Ieeja Mandal, particularly those from economically weaker sections, lack permanent homes and live in rented or unstable conditions despite their long service in the media.
Responding to these appeals, the District Collector sent a proposal to the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA), Telangana State, on 13.08.2024 via official correspondence Lr.No.E1/547/2023. The proposal seeks permission to allocate housing sites and highlights the difficult living conditions of rural journalists.
The Tahsildar of Ieeja Mandal supported this proposal with two verification reports: Lr.No.B/575/2023 dated 24.07.2023 and Lr.No.B/1065/2024 dated 28.06.2024. These reports identified 0.20 acres of government land in Survey No. 936 of Ieeja as suitable and available. This land was previously marked for journalist welfare under G.O. Ms.No.635, Revenue (Assignment-III) Department, dated 02.07.1990, and partly allotted before, leaving some land unused.
Based on the findings, the District Collector has recommended using this remaining land for journalists, reflecting the administration’s commitment to journalist welfare, especially in areas like Ieeja with significant housing insecurity.
In response, the Nadigadda Journalists Seva Samithi expressed gratitude and urged a swift decision from the CCLA. “We have submitted applications and were informed that the case was forwarded to the CCLA. Now, with the District Collector’s recommendation, we hope for quick approval,” they stated.
If the CCLA approves, the initiative could provide stable housing for journalists in Ieeja, serve as a model for similar programs in Telangana, and strengthen media-government relations. The decision now rests with the CCLA, who will review and issue the necessary orders.
Until then, Ieeja’s journalists, who amplify the region’s voices, await a decision that could significantly enhance their welfare and dignity. The District Collector’s and Tahsildar’s offices chose not to comment further, stating that the CCLA is actively reviewing the matter.
