The Kohima Press Club (KPC) has written to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, urging him to expedite the implementation of a pension scheme for journalists in Nagaland.
In a memorandum dated February 25, 2026, the press body reiterated its earlier appeal, stating that given the demanding nature of journalism, a pension scheme is crucial to ensure financial security for journalists in their post-retirement years. The KPC described the move as an important step in acknowledging the contributions of the Fourth Estate to society.
The club noted that most states in the region – including Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Mizoram — have had journalists’ pension schemes in place since the 1990s, with Mizoram introducing its latest scheme in 2022. Senior journalists in those states are already availing the benefits, it said.
Pointing out that the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has already submitted a proposal on the matter following earlier representations, the KPC appealed to the Chief Minister to examine the issue urgently and take necessary action.
While expressing appreciation to Rio for his contributions to the welfare of the press fraternity – including the construction of a permanent KPC building in Kohima – the club said it would be remiss not to highlight other growing concerns facing the expanding media fraternity in the state.
Among them, the KPC called for periodic enhancement of the operational subsidy provided to journalists accredited under the Government of Nagaland.
“We believe that the enhancement and periodical increments would provide substantial support to journalists who remain among the lowest paid professionals in the private sector,” the club stated.
The press body also proposed that coverage under the Journalists’ Welfare Fund be extended to dependents of working journalists, saying this would provide vital support to families reliant on journalists’ earnings.
Referring to concerns raised recently by the Mokokchung Press Club regarding confusion between professional journalism and unregulated social media content, the KPC said it shared similar apprehensions. It expressed concern over the rise of unverified content on social media platforms, stating that such trends are creating public confusion and affecting the credibility of professional journalism.
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The club further urged the state government to ensure proper protocol in official press conferences and events, stating that this would help streamline communication and address some of the issues confronting the media fraternity.
The memorandum was signed by KPC President Alice Yhoshü and General Secretary Vishü Rita Krocha.
