TNR News Network
Shimla/Chamba
The Media Wellbeing Association (MWBA) has accelerated its organizational expansion and journalist welfare initiatives in Himachal Pradesh by announcing the Chamba district unit. After consultations with Himachal in‑charge Sanjay Bhutani and State President Vishal Sood, senior journalist Subhash Mahajan has been appointed Acting District President of Chamba.
The new district executive includes Vikas Thakur as Vice President, Hem Singh Thakur as General Secretary, Rishav Mahendru as Joint Secretary, and Deepak Sharma as Treasurer. MWBA’s North India Organizing Secretary, Meva Singh Rana, confirmed that Vishal Sood has been tasked with forming the state executive and appointing all district presidents by the end of the month, under Bhutani’s guidance. Additionally, an advisory board of 11 senior journalists will be constituted.
Recently, MWBA provided free accident insurance policies worth ₹10 lakh each to 50 journalists at a special ceremony in Shimla, attended by Education Minister Rohit Thakur as chief guest and presided over by CM’s Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan.
A delegation led by North India President Chandrashekhar Dharni also met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, submitting a detailed memorandum seeking pension, health facilities, accident insurance, and social security schemes for journalists, similar to Haryana. The CM responded positively, assuring serious consideration of journalist welfare.
MWBA further proposed a three‑day Artificial Intelligence (AI) training camp for journalists in Kullu‑Manali, focusing on fact‑checking, data analysis, content creation, digital media management, and ethical AI use. The Chief Minister has agreed to the initiative, with dates to be finalized soon.
This expansion and welfare drive highlights MWBA’s commitment to safeguarding journalists while equipping them with modern skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
