Hyderabad, Feb 12 (TNT): The Telangana government will issue 44,706 accreditation cards to journalists across the state, ensuring a more transparent and inclusive process that delivers justice to all eligible applicants, said Information & Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy here on Thursday.
Ponguleti said the people’s government under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is firmly committed to the welfare of journalists and to providing due recognition to everyone eligible in the profession.
Reviewing the accreditation process at the Secretariat, Ponguleti held detailed discussions with Information & Public Relations Commissioner C.H. Priyanka and Chief Minister’s CPR Officer G. Malsur.
He instructed officials to complete the issuance of accreditation cards in a transparent and time-bound manner.
The Minister explained that the government first issued G.O. No. 252 and later, following consultations with journalists’ associations, introduced amendments through G.O. No. 103 to address concerns and ensure wider inclusion.
The revised norms cover journalists from print, electronic and digital media across the state.
He noted that while around 23,000 journalists earlier held accreditation cards, the latest decision would add more than 21,000, taking the total to 44,706.
As per the allocation, 6,256 cards will be issued to eight newspapers with circulation above 2.5 lakh, 17,784 cards to 24 newspapers with circulation between 75,000 and 2.5 lakh, and 3,390 cards to 30 newspapers with circulation between 25,001 and 75,000. A total of 11,661 cards will go to 169 small newspapers with circulation between 15,001 and 25,000, while 226 cards are earmarked for 113 small newspapers with circulation below 15,000. In addition, 624 cards will be issued to periodicals and 68 to 20 news agencies, he said.
The electronic media will receive 4,431 cards for 21 satellite TV channels, 32 for eight national channels and 200 for 100 local cable channels, while 10 cards have been allocated to digital media platforms. Of the total, 16,056 cards will be issued at the state and district levels, and 28,650 at the constituency and mandal levels.
Stating that accreditation is a continuous process, the Minister said the government would conduct further reviews as required.
The dignity, safety and welfare of journalists—widely regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy remain a top priority for the state government, the Minister added.
Meanwhile, the Telangana High Court on Thursday issued notice to the State Government in a petition raising concerns over the impending expiry of journalists’ accreditation cards, scheduled to lapse on February 28, 2026.
TNT TS
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