Media fraternity seek ex-gratia compensation for deceased scribe's kin

TANGLA: The journalist fraternity of Udalguri and Darrang districts appealed Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to extend an ex-gratia compensation of Rs.50 lakh to the bereaved family members of journalist Dhaneswar Rabha who died after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Attending the memorial meet of the journalist held in association with Tangla Press Club and Arunjyoti Sangha to reminisce the contribution of the journalist, in his native village in Kacharital near Kalaigaon of Udalguri district on Monday, the media fraternity deliberated on the need of financial support and social security to family of journalists who often face dire hardships in the last leg of their life.

The memorial meet was attended by Kalaigaon MLA Maheswar Boro, Bhergaon SDO(C) Gokul Chandra Brahma, besides a number of journalists, well wishers, local intellectuals and villagers along with representatives of Tangla units of AASU, AKRSU and ARSU. They paid floral obeisance to the portrait of the journalist. A souvenir Swapnatur Dhaneswar Rabha was also released on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, senior journalist and Assam Press Correspondents Union (APCU) secretary Naba Kumar Deka recalled Rabha as a journalist with unblemished integrity, honesty and dedication and said that his works and contributions to the society would remain as an inspiration for the generations to come.

Dhaneswar Rabha who was associated with a vernacular daily for more than a decade. He passed away after being diagnosed with COVID-19 at GMCH on September 6. Rabha was also battling with kidney related ailments. A multi-dimensional personality, Rabha was also working as a Para Legal Volunteer (PLC) under District Legal Service Authority (DLSA) Udalguri, besides being involved in the green revolution under Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Udalguri.

Various organizations and institutions, including Tangla Press Club, Tangla Media Circle, Udalguri chapter of Assam Press Correspondents Union (APCU); BTAD Journalists' Union (BJU), have also demanded the State Government to provide ex-gratia compensation to the family of the journalist, besides a government job to the wife of the journalist on compassionate ground.

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