Press Club Mandi Holds First Executive Committee Meeting: Key Decisions Taken for Journalists’ Welfare.
Shimla:
The first executive committee meeting of the Press Club Mandi was held on Friday at the Press Bhavan in Ramnagar under the chairmanship of Club President Subhash Thakur. The meeting focused on the welfare of journalists and outlined upcoming club activities. A detailed discussion was also held on the recent meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during which a demand for Rs 22 lakh was raised for the completion of the under-construction Press Bhavan and for the formulation of a journalist welfare policy.
Regular Monthly Meetings Introduced
The committee resolved to hold a regular meeting on the last Monday of every month, dedicated to discussing and resolving issues faced by journalists. In addition, a weekly meeting will be organized every Monday at the Press Bhavan for members to interact and stay informed.
Major Welfare Fund Initiative
A significant decision was taken to provide financial assistance ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 to journalists in case of serious illness, accidents, or natural disasters, under a newly constituted welfare initiative.
Formation of Sub-Committees and Upcoming Events
Several sub-committees were formed for handling various aspects such as social activities, event management, inspections, and entertainment. The committee also decided to celebrate National Hindi Journalism Day on May 30. On this occasion, senior and junior journalists will be felicitated, and veteran journalists will deliver keynote addresses to inspire the next generation.
Usage Fee Set for Press Bhavan
To support the maintenance and repair of the Press Bhavan, it was decided that any organization—including NGOs, political parties, or educational institutions—wishing to conduct conferences at the premises will be charged a fee of Rs 1,000.
Website Launch and Digital Data Collection
The Press Club’s official website is set to be launched soon. Journalists were requested to send their passport-size photographs and personal details to the Club President via WhatsApp for digital record-keeping.
‘Green Mandi’ Campaign and Disciplinary Measures
The committee also decided to launch a tree plantation drive during the monsoon season in collaboration with the Forest Department as part of a “Green Mandi” campaign. Additionally, strict disciplinary measures were proposed. The executive body agreed to introduce a clause for the cancellation of membership of any official found engaging in misconduct or indiscipline.
Acknowledgments and Participation
In his concluding remarks, President Subhash Thakur expressed gratitude to all attendees and emphasized that efforts will be intensified to expand the activities and influence of the Press Club. The meeting proceedings were conducted by Joint Secretary Surender Sharma.
Senior journalist Deepender Manta was specially invited to the meeting. Among the notable attendees were Senior Vice President Roop Lal Kaundal, Vice President Vinod Rana, Saroj Thakur, Chief Advisor Rajneesh Himalian, Press Secretary Rakesh Sharma, Viplav Saklani, and executive members Narender Sharma, Tripurari Sankhyan, Hans Raj, Devender Thakur, and Dharmveer.
