AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Journalists Union (GJU), the largest and the oldest body of journalists in Gujarat, on Wednesday unanimously elected BR Prajapati as president for the eighth consecutive term. GJU conducted elections for the positions of president, four vice presidents, general secretary, two joint secretaries, treasurer, office secretary, and members of the executive committee. These roles will serve a three-year term from 2025 to 2027. Elections for GJU, which historically have played a crucial role in establishing and executing the wage board for journalists, are conducted regularly every three years.
“At a time when journalists are facing new challenges, GJU needs to be reactivated and a massive membership drive should be launched to enlist more journalists. The GJU will enroll journalists from all three media — print, electronic, and digital. In view of the fresh threats posed by contract journalism, increasing commercialization of media, technology upgradation, impending entry of foreign media, increasing attacks on journalists, and closure of small newspapers, GJU will be strengthened to meet the challenges,” said president-elect BR Prajapati.
“The union will continue to advocate for pension and other welfare initiatives with the state government until they reach a satisfactory conclusion. Prajapati also mentioned that young members will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles within the union.”
The other office-bearers who were elected unanimously include Jagdishbhai Brhmbhat (Gandhinagar), Dr. Nikhil Shah (Ahmedabad), Nitin Khambholja (Dakor-Central Gujarat), and Jayesh Vyas (Mehsana-North Gujarat) serving as vice-presidents. Natwarlal Bhatt (Kadi, Mehsana) was appointed as general secretary, while Nilesh Vora takes on the role of treasurer. Vinay Pandya and R Manickvasagam will serve as joint secretaries, and Jagdish Mewa is designated as office secretary.
Following the installation of the office bearers, it was agreed that meetings would be organized at the district level. The aim is to comprehend the challenges faced by journalists and to bring these issues to the attention of both the Gujarat government and the central government in order to seek effective solutions.
President B.R. Prajapati said, “A national-level convention will be held in Gandhinagar or Ahmedabad soon. It will take up issues like one nation, one pension for journalists, formation of a new wage board, enhancing the retirement age, and various welfare measures. The GJU had already submitted a memorandum in this regard to the Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. The need of the hour is unity among the journalists to protect their rights and get time-bound justice.”
