JDRF demands 50% fee concession for journalists’ children

Andhra Pradesh: Members of the Journalists’ Democratic Rights Forum (JDRF) in East Godavari district submitted a petition demanding strict implementation of the government order granting 50% fee concession to journalists’ children in private institutions, warning of government action against non-compliant schools.

GO on fee concession being ignored, say journalists

The JDRF highlighted that the Andhra Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, had issued a Government Order (GO) granting a 50% fee concession in private educational institutions to children of journalists. However, they alleged that many private schools are failing to comply with the GO and are harassing journalists in the process.

“This is a clear violation of the government’s directive and must be addressed,” said JDRF President P Krishna and General Secretary Meda Srinivas.

Memorandum submitted, collector’s intervention sought

Due to the unavailability of the District Collector, a delegation led by JDRF G Murali Krishna submitted the memorandum to District Revenue Officer and Additional District Magistrate T. Seetharamamurthy. They urged the district administration to convene a joint meeting with private school managements and journalists under the Collector’s leadership.

DRO promises action against non-compliant schools

Responding to the JDRF’s concerns, DRO Seetharamamurthy assured that appropriate notices would be issued to any schools refusing to implement the 50% fee concession. He encouraged the JDRF to report specific cases of non-compliance so that the administration could take immediate corrective measures.

“We will ensure justice is done if violations are brought to our notice,” the DRO said.

JDRF calls for united effort to protect journalists’ rights

Regional Secretary Guthula Muralikrishna and District President Penke Srinivas reiterated their commitment to ensuring the GO is fully implemented. They called upon all JDRF members to hold talks with school managements and stand by the families of journalists.

“This is about the future of journalists’ children. We must act collectively to secure their educational rights,” they said.

Several key JDRF leaders participated in the event, including DVSN Murthy, Pichuka Mahesh, Sunitha Goud, Abbabathula Mahesh, Raghava, Nallajarla Srinivasa Rao, Kodi Tatarao, Yakub, Naresh Kumar, and Nagaraju. Their unified presence underscored the seriousness of the demand and the solidarity among journalist unions in the district.