New Delhi: The sudden demise of senior journalist and photojournalist Mohammed Ramish has sparked demands for government compensation to support his bereaved family. Prominent TV panellist and advocate Raees Ahmed has urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to provide ₹5 lakh in compensation under the Working Journalist Guidelines-2023.
Media, often referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy, plays a crucial role in raising societal awareness. The contributions of journalists are indispensable in this process. The sacrifices of figures like Maulvi Mohammad Baqar, the first journalist to lay down his life during India’s Independence struggle, remain etched in history.
Recognising the risks faced by journalists, the Parliament enacted the Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act, 1955. In 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting introduced new guidelines to ensure immediate relief for journalists and their families in cases of sudden emergencies.
As per the guidelines, in the event of a working journalist’s sudden demise due to cardiac arrest or similar conditions, the family is entitled to ₹5 lakh in compensation. This provision applies to both accredited (PIB/DIP) and non-accredited journalists. Additionally, the guidelines include compensation of up to ₹3 lakh in cases of severe injury or disability.
Advocate Raees Ahmed expressed deep sorrow over Ramish’s sudden death due to cardiac arrest and called upon the government to provide immediate compensation to his family. He assured the family and members of the Working Journalist Club of his legal support in pursuing the claim.
“Ramish was a kind and cheerful individual. During my time in the media before entering law, I often interacted with him,” Ahmed shared, highlighting the financial challenges faced by journalists working with small or mid-sized media organisations.
Ramish leaves behind his wife and young children, who are still pursuing their education. Advocate Ahmed emphasised that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should take suo motu cognizance of the matter and ensure that the compensation is delivered promptly and respectfully, as it is the family’s constitutional right.
