Journalist organizations call emergency meeting over UNI issue

New Delhi (RNI) A confederation of the journalist organizations has convened an emergency meeting in the third week of this month to address the issue concerning the news agency UNI.

The meeting will feature in-depth discussions on several critical issues: the full payment of outstanding dues to current and former employees; Provident Fund (PF) matters; the alleged fraudulent transfer of UNI—at a throwaway price—to 'TheStatesman' (which was once among the company's owners); the legitimacy of funds invested in UNI; and the illegal construction carried out by UNI's current management on government land that was recently vacated following a Delhi High Court order. A roadmap for a future agitation will also be prepared.

Mr.Sushil Bharti, International President of the SAARC Journalists Forum; Dr. Surendra Sharma, President of the Confederation of Journalist Organizations; and Mr. Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, a senior member of the 'Save UNI Movement's' legal cell and an Advocate at the Delhi High Court,said Today.

Mr. Bharti stated that the organization had been monitoring these developments for a long time. There was an expectation that matters would proceed transparently and legally, serving the interests of the institution, its employees, and former staff; however, due to the collusion of a few sycophantic employees, none of this happened. The source of the funds is a crucial question; therefore, a CBI inquiry into the entire situation is essential. He added that a demand for an immediate investigation would be made to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and an agitation would be launched if necessary.

Dr. Sharma remarked that, in flagrant violation of rules, UNI was handed over to a struggling company that had previously been one of its shareholders. While holding the status of a shareholder, that company never paid attention to UNI's problems; however, as the situation worsened, it became the dominant force controlling UNI through a court-appointed receiver, driven by greed for the agency's prime land and other assets.  

Advocate Mr. Chaudhary stated that they are examining all legal avenues regarding the current management. Large-scale irregularities have taken place. They intend to approach the Supreme Court to demand a CBI inquiry into the entire situation. He remarked that, thanks to the people of the country, the government land at 9 Rafi Marg in Delhi's Lutyens' Zone—valued at thousands of crores of rupees—has been liberated from the clutches of these mafia elements following a Delhi High Court order. This is a historic step.