Telangana govt to introduce online accreditation for journalists, revive safety and wage committees, and explore health insurance benefits under Aarogyasri.

Hyderabad: The Telangana government is preparing to roll out a new website dedicated to journalist accreditation, aiming to simplify the process of issuing press cards and bring more transparency. Information and Public Relations (I&PR) minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, who chaired a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on Monday, stressed that the state is committed to strengthening welfare and safety measures for the media fraternity.

At the review, senior officials from the Home Department, Press Academy, and Aarogyasri health wing discussed accreditation norms, healthcare access, and service conditions. The minister directed departments to prepare clear guidelines for accreditation and to revive the high power committee formed earlier for journalist safety. He also confirmed that the long-pending Tripartite Committee on wages and service conditions would be reconstituted.

On the health front, Ponguleti said the Aarogyasri team would study how to extend medical benefits to accredited journalists. Press Academy chairman K. Srinivas Reddy urged the government to restore state awards for journalists, a proposal the minister welcomed.

Officials from Aarogyasri, labour, and I&PR departments were also present. The minister underlined that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated and promised strict enforcement of safety measures.

Analysis: The launch of a digital accreditation platform is expected to reduce delays and cut down bureaucratic hurdles that many local reporters face. Integrating health cover under Aarogyasri could also provide much-needed security for small-town and freelance journalists who often work without institutional support. Observers note that these measures, if implemented effectively, may rebuild trust between the press and government.