New Delhi: Karnataka MLC K. Shivakumar, who is also a senior journalist, has urged the Ministry of Railways to re-introduce the 50 percent concession in train fares for journalists. He was speaking after inaugurating the National Press Day organised jointly by New Delhi-based Press Club of India (PCI) and Accredited Journalists Association at New Delhi on Sunday.

Pointing out that the Union Government has withdrawn the 50 percent concession for journalists in train fares which existed earlier, Shivakumar, who spoke on the topic ‘Ambedkar and Journalism,’ said he severely opposed the discontinuance of the concession.

“The Karnataka Government has come up with a few programmes for the economic empowerment of journalists, which included health insurance and introduction of a new advertisement policy. Realising that journalism is a powerful weapon in bringing about social reforms, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar started a newspaper 126 years ago. Ambedkar, who was the Architect of the Indian Constitution, was also a dedicated journalist with firm views. Dr. Ambedkar, with support from Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, started his own newspapers such as ‘Mooknayak,’ ‘Bahishkrit Bharat,’ ‘Janatha’ and ‘Prabuddh Bharath,’  the MLC said.

Noting that journalism keeps the people updated on news and other matters, he said that journalism takes credit for instilling confidence and strength among the masses during the freedom struggle. He wished that this legacy continues with the same vein, integrity and fearlessness, Shivakumar added.

Accredited Journalists Association President V.S. Chaturvedi, senior journalists Gautham, Sunil Parashar and others were present on the occasion.