Divya Delhi : A confederation of journalist organizations has announced an emergency meeting in the third week of August to deliberate on issues concerning the functioning and management of United News of India (UNI). The meeting is expected to discuss pending employee dues, Provident Fund (PF) matters, and legal issues surrounding the agency’s ownership and management.
According to the organizers, key agenda items include the payment of outstanding salaries and benefits to current and former employees, allegations regarding the transfer of UNI to *The Statesman, questions over the source of funds invested in the agency, and claims of unauthorized construction on government land previously occupied by UNI at 9 Rafi Marg in New Delhi. The organizations also plan to prepare a roadmap for future protests and legal action. Speaking on the matter, SAARC Journalists Forum International President Sushil Bharti said the developments have been under close observation for a long time. He alleged that a lack of transparency and the involvement of certain individuals had harmed the interests of the institution and its employees. He called for a CBI inquiry into the entire matter and said representations would be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Confederation of Journalist Organizations President Dr. Surendra Sharma alleged that UNI was transferred in violation of established norms to a financially struggling company that had previously been one of its shareholders. He claimed the move was driven by the value of the agency’s assets. Delhi High Court Advocate Arvind Kumar Chaudhary said legal options are being explored, including approaching the Supreme Court to seek a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities. He also welcomed the Delhi High Court’s order leading to the vacation of government land at 9 Rafi Marg, describing it as a significant development.
