Journalists seek pension scheme in Andhra Pradesh

Kurnool: They spend their working lives exposing public problems, questioning governments and carrying the voice of ordinary people to the corridors of power. But when the same journalists grow old, a question stares them in the face: who will stand by them? Despite several States extending monthly pensions or welfare assistance to senior and retired journalists, Andhra Pradesh is yet to have a dedicated State-level monthly pension scheme for journalists, triggering renewed demands for financial security for those who have completed two or three decades in the profession.

Journalists say governments may change every five years, but their long-pending demand for old-age security has remained unresolved. Senior journalist Shaik Mastan Vali said, “A journalist spends the best years of his life standing with the people, exposing their problems and questioning those in power. But when age forces him to put down his pen, he should not be left to fight for his own survival.

A person who served society for two or three decades deserves dignity and financial security in old age. The government should come forward with a meaningful pension scheme for senior and retired journalists and ensure that their families are not left helpless after their death.” Journalists have sought a structured pension scheme based on transparent eligibility conditions such as age, years of journalistic service, accreditation and income criteria, besides family pension for eligible spouses after their death.

The demand comes against the backdrop of Andhra Pradesh's extensive social-security pension system. According to the official NTR Bharosa Pension Scheme dashboard, 61,92,707 pensions were listed for September 2026, covering several categories of beneficiaries. Journalists seeking a dedicated scheme say the government could study pension models adopted by States such as Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal and frame an Andhra Pradesh-specific policy with clearly defined eligibility and financial safeguards.

The issue has also exposed the need for greater coordination among journalists' organisations, with members of the fraternity calling for a united campaign on the pension demand. They want the government to move beyond assurances and examine the issue through a formal policy framework. For decades, journalists have used their pens to question governments on behalf of the people. Now, they are asking the government a question of their own: when the pen falls silent with age, who will provide the hand that supports 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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