Guwahati, April 27, 2026: Assam Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, on Monday held a meeting with the newly elected Executive Committee of the Gauhati Press Club (GPC), led by President Khagen Kalita, to discuss key issues concerning the welfare of journalists and the future of the media ecosystem in the state.
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Assam Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota meets the newly elected Executive Committee of the Gauhati Press Club led by President Khagen Kalita during an interaction in Guwahati. (Image: x.com/CSAssam_) |
The meeting, held at the Chief Secretary's office in Guwahati, was attended by members of the newly elected Press Club committee, who raised several long-pending concerns affecting media professionals. Among the primary issues discussed was the club's longstanding demand for the allotment of government land to establish a permanent office.
The delegation pointed out that although the Gauhati Press Club has been serving more than 1,500 journalists and media professionals for over five decades, it continues to function without a permanent building of its own. The members urged the state government to consider providing land so that the institution could establish permanent infrastructure to better serve the media fraternity.
Another key proposal placed before the Chief Secretary was the introduction of a Group Health Insurance Scheme for journalists. The Press Club suggested that the scheme could be implemented in partnership with the state government or a public sector undertaking to provide affordable health coverage and financial security for media professionals working across Assam.
Responding to the delegation, Dr. Ravi Kota acknowledged the significant role played by the Gauhati Press Club in strengthening communication between the government, the media, and the public. He assured the members that their demands would receive due consideration and would be examined in accordance with established government procedures.
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The meeting also focused on the evolving nature of journalism in the digital era. Discussions were held on the need to clearly define the scope of the term "press" in light of the rapid growth of digital media platforms. The Chief Secretary sought suggestions from the Press Club to help formulate a more inclusive and future-ready policy framework that would ensure government welfare measures and benefits reach deserving journalists across both traditional and digital media.
Both the state government and the Gauhati Press Club agreed to work together to strengthen Assam's media ecosystem, improve the welfare of journalists, and promote responsible journalism in the larger public interest. The interaction was described as constructive and marked an important step towards addressing the concerns of the state's media community.
