Telangana Journalists Accreditation: A Growing Crisis That Demands Immediate Attention

Telangana (RNI) Dr. Jithender Rao Thanugula, President, Telangana Youth Journalist Federation, Senior Journalist & Senior Correspondent, The South Indian Times Journalist accreditation is not merely an identity card; it is an official recognition of the vital role journalists play in a democratic society. In Telangana, however, the present accreditation system has become a matter of deep concern for working journalists across the state. Delays, lack of transparency, and the absence of a clear policy framework are creating serious professional and ethical challenges.

Thousands of journalists—especially those working in rural areas, district bureaus, digital platforms, and small publications—are struggling due to the prolonged non-issuance and renewal of accreditation cards. Many genuine journalists who meet professional standards are being excluded, while the process itself remains unclear and inconsistent.

Key Problems in the Present Accreditation System

 Undue Delays:

Accreditation renewal and fresh applications have been pending for long periods without official timelines, causing hardship to journalists who depend on accreditation for access and professional recognition.

Lack of Transparency:

There is no publicly available, well-defined guideline explaining eligibility, verification procedures, or reasons for rejection. This creates confusion and mistrust among journalists.

Discrimination Against Grassroots Journalists:

District, mandal, and rural journalists—who form the backbone of grassroots reporting—are often neglected, despite their crucial role in bringing local issues to the government’s attention.

Changing Media Landscape Ignored:

Digital and web journalists, who are now an integral part of modern journalism, are not being adequately recognized under the existing accreditation norms.

 Impact on Press Freedom:

When journalists are denied accreditation arbitrarily, it indirectly affects press freedom and discourages independent reporting.

Why This Issue Matters

Journalists act as a bridge between the government and the people. Weakening journalists through administrative hurdles ultimately weakens democracy itself. Accreditation should be a fair, inclusive, and transparent process—not a tool of exclusion.

The Telangana Youth Journalist Federation firmly believes that accreditation must be based on professional work, ethical journalism, and verifiable credentials, not favoritism or unclear criteria.

Our Appeal to the Government

On behalf of journalists across Telangana, we urge the state government to:

Immediately announce a clear and transparent accreditation policy

Set fixed timelines for application processing

Include journalist representatives in accreditation committees

Recognise digital, freelance, and rural journalists

 Ensure accreditation is non-discriminatory and apolitical

Conclusion

Journalists do not seek privilege; they seek recognition of their responsibility. Resolving the accreditation issue is not just an administrative necessity—it is a democratic obligation.

The Telangana government must act swiftly and sensitively to restore confidence among journalists and strengthen the fourth pillar.The south India Times senior correspondent.of democracy.