IWPC-PCI delegation calls on I&B minister Prakash Javadekar, apprises concerns of journalists

New Delhi: A delegation of the Indian Women's Press Corps and the Press Club of India met the Union minister for Information and Broadcasting, Environment and Forests, Mr Prakash Javadekar on July 1 and submitted a representation to him requesting the ministry to ensure that media houses complied with the setting up of mandated internal committees as per the new Sexual Harassment (Prevention, Prohibition, Redressal) Act, 2013. Mr Javadekar assured them of prompt action on this front.

He agreed that employers had a responsibility towards women employees like organising night drops for them during night shifts.

The delegation also requested the intervention of the ministry on the issue of implementation of all labour laws in the media.The delegation drew the minister's attention to the nature and system of contractual employment which was heavily biased against employees.

The Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees' (Conditions of Service) and other Miscellaneous Provisions Act, the delegation pointed out, needed to be amended so as to include the electronic media as well. The delegation also pointed to the need for a statutory media commission.