Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Commissioner Navin Mittal has assured to expedite the process of issuing health cards to journalists as promised by the Government, and in the first phase all the accredited journalists would be covered followed by other journalists.
Mr. Mittal said that more than 23,000 applications were submitted by journalists across Telangana for obtaining health cards and it would take lot of time to verify the authenticity of the applications. So in the first phase, cards would be issued to all the accredited journalists since their credentials were already verified. He revealed this while was addressing the ‘Meet the Press’ organised by the Press Club Hyderabad here on Tuesday.
He, however, made it clear that all the journalists would be covered under the scheme as promised by the Government following the norms laid down for the purpose.
Mr. Mittal said the department was suffering from shortage of staff after bifurcation and this was leading to delay in taking decision on journalists’ issues. Efforts are on to modernise the department connecting the officers from different districts creating WhatsApp groups. The connection between media and the department will also be strengthened using social media tools, he said.
To a question, Mr. Mittal said he wants to wipe out the image of the department as an advertising department and sought suggestions from journalists to make the relations between the media and I&PR stronger.
To a question, he said he would look into the awards given to journalists in the combined State and how they can be revived.
Press Club president. R. Ravikanth Reddy presided and introduced Mr. Mittal to the journalists.
Club secretary Rajamouli Chary; vice-president C. Vanaja; treasurer P.V. Srinivas, and executive members - Raghu Duggu and Krishna - were present.
