Journalists’ authentication process begins from Shopian district; DIO issues checklist for verification

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 05 (STC): The District Information Office (DIO) Shopian has taken a lead to comply with the government directive to ascertain the authencity of genuine journalists operating in the region. The DIO has issued a detailed checklist of documents to be furnished by media persons operating in the district for verification and authentication.
The journalists are required to submit Aadhaar, PAN, and official ID cards, an appointment or affiliation letter from their media organization, and contact details of their parent organization, including full address, email, and WhatsApp number, reads the official notification.
Additionally, media persons have been asked to furnish a salary statement for the last six months, academic qualification certificates, and the name of the digital news portal or channel they represent.
For those working in digital media, links to their Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), and Instagram pages have also been requested for official verification, reads the notification.
The move has already generated discussions within journalist fraternity. A section of journalists term it a necessary measure to ensure professional integrity, while others express concern that excessive documentation could discourage freelancers and small independent media outlets.
Authorities, however, maintain that the verification is a “routine process” intended to strengthen media credibility and prevent impersonation or misuse of press credentials in the district.
Meanwhile a prominent journalist Mohammad Syed Malik in his reaction to the notification has called the move “atrocious”. He said, “Where else in this vast country is it in force? None, to my knowledge.
Could be the proverbial thin end of the wedge: make other privately engaged workers get enlisted with the Sarkar.”

(Straight Talk Communications)