Two cyclists from Assam reached Tripura to campaign for journalists’ social security, urging implementation of Majithia Wage Board recommendations and Supreme Court directions while highlighting the risks, long working hours, and lack of protection faced by media professionals nationwide.
Two cyclists from Assam have reached Tripura as part of a long-distance awareness campaign advocating social security and legal protection for journalists across India. Carrying a strong message in support of media professionals’ rights, the cyclists arrived in Agartala and visited the Agartala Press Club on Friday, where they interacted with local journalists and media workers.
The initiative aims to draw public attention to the absence of a comprehensive social security framework for journalists, many of whom work under difficult and often hazardous conditions. One of the cyclists, Snehangkar Chakraborty, appealed to both authorities and society to take concrete steps to safeguard journalists’ welfare, including financial security, healthcare benefits, and legal protection.
The cycling journey began on December 10 from Bishnuchali in Assam. Since then, the cyclists have travelled through several challenging terrains and districts, including Nagaon, Dima Hasao district, the Barail hill range, Silchar, and Sribhumi, before entering Tripura and reaching its capital city. The journey, undertaken entirely on bicycles, is symbolic of peaceful protest and grassroots-level advocacy.
Speaking to reporters in Agartala, Chakraborty said the sole objective of the campaign is to ensure social protection for journalists in accordance with the recommendations of the Majithia Wage Board and the directions issued by the Supreme Court for their timely implementation. He emphasized that despite clear legal guidelines, many media houses and institutions have failed to enforce these provisions, leaving journalists vulnerable.
He also highlighted that a large section of journalists remains unaware of their rights and entitlements. According to him, journalists often work under constant mental pressure, exposure to risk, and irregular schedules, yet lack basic job security and institutional support. “Journalists are mental labourers. Officially, the working hours should be six hours, but in reality, the profession demands 24×7 availability,” he said.
Describing journalism as a “thankless job,” Chakraborty questioned why media professionals, who report on every segment of society and hold power accountable, still struggle to secure their own rights. He stressed that journalists are an inseparable part of society and not outsiders, and therefore deserve empathy, dignity, and protection.
The cyclist urged people from all walks of life to support the demand for a structured social security system for journalists. He stated that cycling is only one medium of raising awareness and welcomed any peaceful, democratic initiative aimed at strengthening journalists’ welfare nationwide.
Chakraborty also shared his professional background, mentioning that he previously worked with the Assamese daily Dainik Janambhumi. During his tenure, he handled national, international, and business news based on agency reports, along with corporate coordination assignments that required frequent travel across India.
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The campaign has received attention from journalists in Tripura, many of whom expressed solidarity with the cause and acknowledged the urgent need for policy-level reforms to protect media workers.
