CM allots housing complex plot for journalists

Kolkata: The state government will allot land for a housing complex of journalists and a second campus of Kolkata Press Club, announced Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, at the Platinum jubilee celebration of the club, which is the country's oldest club of journalists (reporters). The land at Maidan where the club tent is situated was given by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister, in 1957.

Banerjee said a 3.5 cottah plot near Ruby Hospital has been allotted by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) to set up a building which will house the second campus of the Press Club.

"I have spoken to Bobby (Firhad Hakim, state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister who shared the dais with Banerjee at the platinum jubilee function) and if the committee of the club gives clearance after inspecting the site, then we will hand over the plot," she said.

The state government will also allot a 10 cottah land in New Town to set up a housing complex for journalists, Banerjee said. "There are many journalists who do not have any accommodation. I will request the club authorities to ensure that three-room flats are constructed and where there will be open space for greenery," she added.

The Chief Minister donated Rs 1 lakh from her personal account to the club and handed over pension cheques to retired journalists. The scheme to give pension to the retired and infirm journalists began in December, 2018. She also handed over shawls and mementos to some employees of the club who have been working for the past 50 years.

Recalling her college days, Banerjee said: "We as students used to read the columns that used to be written by Barun Sengupta, Gour Kishore Ghosh and Amitava Chowdhury. We used to wait anxiously to read their pieces."

Commenting on present day journalism, she said: "Earlier the journalists had to visit the spots, investigate cases and then they used to file reports but now the social media is very strong. They are getting news on Facebook and WhatsApp." Banerjee urged the Press Club committee to induct photographers into the club, which has been a long-standing demand of photojournalists.

Recalling her long association with the club, she said: "As the Railway minister I had opened a railway ticket booking counter at Press Club and 50% railway ticket concession for journalists, so that they take their family members on a tour every year."