The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) and Delhi Press Initiative regret the arbitrary move by Prasar Bharati to dismiss all radio jockeys who are on contract simply because they have crossed the age of 35 years. We believe that this is discriminatory ageism and must be stopped. The employees of All India Radio’s FM Gold and Rainbow channels, who are at immediate threat, must be protected from this arbitrary ceiling on their employment.
The DUJ believes that Prasar Bharati, as a public sector employer, should set good labour standards instead of resorting to contract employment and discriminating against those who have served it loyally over the years. We also note with concern the growing tendency among private media groups to dismiss employees as they grow older, misusing contract employment laws to replace them with younger and cheaper workers.
The DUJ calls upon Prasar Bharati to reconsider its ill-advised move against its vulnerable professional employees who bring both maturity and experience to their challenging job. The DUJ also extends its solidarity with the historic struggle being waged by the Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) against the FYUP against heavy odds and threats of victimization.
(Sujata Madhok)
President
(S K Pande)
General Secretary
DELHI UNION OFJOURNALISTS
Press Statement
