Unsung chroniclers ask state for a post-retirement lifeline

Kurnool: They spend their working lives exposing public grievances, questioning authorities, and carrying ordinary voices to the corridors of power.

Yet, as media professionals reach retirement age, a pressing question remains: who will stand by them?

Although several states provide welfare assistance to retired press members, Andhra Pradesh lacks a dedicated monthly pension scheme for journalists, prompting renewed demands for financial security after decades of public service.

Senior journalist Shaik Mastan Vali emphasized that a journalist who dedicates their life to society should not be left to fight for survival when age forces them to put down their pen.

Echoing this sentiment, fellow journalists Rajendra Prasad Ananta and Shareef Devagudi argued that professionals serving for two to three decades deserve dignity in old age, alongside family pension provisions for surviving spouses.

They urged the government to establish a structured scheme based on transparent criteria, including age, service years, accreditation, and income limits. This appeal arrives against the backdrop of Andhra Pradesh’s extensive social-security framework, such as the NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme, which listed over 6.19 million beneficiaries for September 2026.

Proponents suggested studying successful pension models from states like Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu to formulate an AP-specific policy.

Fraternity members have also called for greater unity among journalists’ organizations to pursue a formal policy framework, asking a fundamental question: when the pen falls silent with age, who will support the journalist?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

V Narendra Kumar

V Narendra Kumar[email protected]

Narendra Kumar Varikuntla is a seasoned journalist with 15 years of experience in reporting and news coverage. He holds a Master's degree in English Literature. He is Staff Correspondent for The Hans India based in Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh Before embarking on his career in journalism, he worked with Tata Robins Fraser (TRF) as a Confidential Assistant at the Rourkela Steel Plant, where he served for 10 years. His tenure at TRF enabled him to develop strong administrative, communication, and organisational skills, which have significantly contributed to his success in journalism. He began his journalistic career with Deccan Chronicle, where he gained valuable experience in reporting and news gathering. Since 2015, he has been serving as a Staff Correspondent with The Hans India, covering the erstwhile Kurnool district, including Kurnool and Nandyal. During his journalism career, Narendra Kumar has extensively reported on governance, politics, public affairs, social issues, agriculture, and developmental activities. He is known for his commitment to accurate, balanced, and responsible journalism, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. In addition to his journalistic profession, he is actively engaged in agriculture and personally cultivates 10 acres of farmland. His close association with farming provides him with firsthand insight into rural life and farmers' issues, enriching his reporting on agriculture and rural development.

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