Prominent newspapers of Assam will not be publishing any
state-sponsored advertisements, news related to the state government and
photographs on their March 10, 11 and 12 editions to protest against
the government’s lackadaisical attitude towards solving the financial
woes faced by the newspapers.
This announcement was made through a press statement by the Northeast
Newspaper Society, an umbrella body of which most established
newspapers are part. The decision was taken in a meeting on Friday
chaired by Editor-in-Chief of the Dainik Agradoot, Kanak Sen Deka; the
meeting was attended by representatives of the state’s popular print
media houses like The Assam Tribune, Sadin-Pratidin group, Dainik
Janambhumi, GL Publications, Asomiya Khabar, G Plus and Hills Times
group.
Speaking to media,
Deka listed out three main issues faced by newspaper publications. “We
demand a timely revision of advertisement rates, payment with 60 days
of publication of ads and a centralised payment system,” he said.
The Society’s press statement said, “While the rates of
advertisements have not been revised since 2014, the cost of newsprint,
other printing materials and transportation has gone up manifold. As a
result of this, the newspaper industry has been reeling under a severe
crisis.”
The body said that on February 22 last year, their representatives
had met Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who had assured to resolve
the three crucial problems faced by the newspaper houses. But no action
has been taken since date, the body said.
It
added, “Even the Gauhati High Court has issued an order in this regard,
but it has not been honoured as yet.” The body warned of further
“sterner” action if the government fails to take any step after this
protest.
