Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Jun 19: “31 journalists in the state among those who were infected with the virus passed away. The Karnataka State Working Journalists Association has ensured that the families of the deceased journalists received Rs five lac each as compensation and houses for two of their families,” said the association president, Shivananda Tagaduru.

He addressed news reporters in a programme held at Udupi press club during his official visit to the district.

“About 8,000 journalists received membership of the association in the state. Journalists worked with dedication during the complex conditions of Covid-19 and have become victims of the virus. The chief minister visited and requested compensation of Rs five lac each to support the families of the deceased. 31 such families received the compensation,” he said.

“The Rs 56 crore bill for advertisements by the government in newspapers and TV media in the state that remained pending for one and a half years due to Covid-19 was settled in one go.

Asian working journalists association convener, Madhav Gowda said that a Patrakartara Bhavana at a cost of Rs ten crore is intended at Bengaluru’s Mysuru road on the land worth Rs two crore provided by the state government. “Its groundbreaking will be held soon,” he said.

The demands of the Udupi district association and journalists were submitted to the state president. The face shields provided by Kundapr Kannada Gulf Balaga were distributed to the journalists. A discussion over issues of journalists and demands was later held with the state president.

Udupi district working journalist’s association president, Alevoor Rajesh Shetty gave the introduction. Chief secretary Nazeer Polya welcomed the gathering. Treasurer Umesh Marpalli thanked everyone. Journalists Rakesh Kunjur and Deepak Jain compered the programme.