Journalists Protest Accreditation Policy, Several Detained in Hyderabad

Journalists under the banner of the Desk Journalists Federation of Telangana (DJFT) , along with other journalist associations , staged a protest at the Hyderabad District Collectorate on Friday, alleging that the state government has imposed cuts in journalist accreditations under the newly issued Government Order (G.O.) No. 252 .

The protest was organised against what the associations described as defects in the new G.O. , which they claimed would adversely affect eligible journalists . According to the protesters, accreditation has been reduced under the pretext of introducing a new policy, raising concerns among working journalists across media platforms.

As part of the agitation, journalist leaders gathered at the Collectorate to submit a memorandum highlighting their objections. However, police intervened and detained several journalists participating in the protest, later shifting them to Masir-ul-Umra police station.

The associations alleged that G.O. 252 introduces discriminatory provisions , including separate accreditation cards for desk journalists and field reporters, an increase in the minimum experience required for freelance journalists, and denial of accreditation to cable television channels. They said these changes would exclude a large section of working journalists from official recognition.

Journalists further alleged discrimination against desk journalists, stating that the policy undermines their professional role and creates divisions within the media fraternity. They claimed that the government was attempting to categorise journalists instead of treating them equally .

Condemning the detentions, the journalist bodies said the protest was peaceful and democratic, aimed at safeguarding journalists’ rights and press freedom. They asserted that accreditation should be uniform and inclusive, reflecting the evolving nature of journalism.

The protesters demanded immediate correction of errors and ambiguities in G.O. 252 , issuance of a uniform accreditation card to every eligible journalist, and inclusion of desk journalists as full beneficiaries under the accreditation system.

The associations urged the state government to hold consultations with journalist organisations and revise the policy to ensure transparency, fairness, and justice to all deserving journalists.