Press Club of Kashmir launches welfare scheme for retired, elderly journalists

Srinagar, Aug 14: The Press Club of Kashmir has announced a welfare scheme to support retired and elderly journalists struggling to meet medical and other essential expenses. The initiative will be funded through voluntary contributions from active journalists, colleagues and local business leaders.As per a statement issued here, Patron and President of the Press Club of Kashmir, M. Saleem Pandit, said the Journalists’ Welfare Fund will be used exclusively to assist veteran media professionals in need. An enrolment fee will be collected primarily from members, while non-members are encouraged to donate between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500, depending on their capacity. “This scheme is voluntary and not compulsory for members. Every contribution will go directly towards the welfare of our senior colleagues,” said Zulfikar Majid, General Secretary of the club. The executive body assured transparency, stating that details of funds collected and distributed will be shared with members via social media and the expenditure will be audited by the club’s-chartered accountant.