CM Omar Abdullah misses to address issue of fresh newspapers seeking empanelment

These self-sustaining newspapers continue to struggle for recognition.

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, MARCH 22 (STC): Local media stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir have urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to ensure that fresh newspapers receive their due place in Jammu and Kashmir’s media landscape. There are publications which remain unrecognized by the Information Department and are yet to be empanelled for official advertisements.
Commenting on the issue, Mushtaq Bala, Editor-in-Chief of Weekly Publication Kashmir Pen, who is also a renowned filmmaker, said, “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while addressing the Legislative Assembly yesterday, highlighted key reforms in the print media sector, including fair distribution of government advertisements, tackling fake news, and discouraging newspapers from functioning merely as platforms for official press notes. However, in his speech, Abdullah overlooked a crucial concern—the plight of fresh newspapers that have been sustaining themselves independently for over nine years without any government advertisement support. Despite their consistent presence in print and their contribution to journalism, these publications remain unrecognized by the Information Department and are yet to be empanelled for official advertisements.”
He further stated: “While the Chief Minister stressed financial independence for media houses, these self-sustaining newspapers continue to struggle for recognition.”
(STC)