22 May 2020: The Indian Journalists Union condemns the ‘sacking’ of a woman journalist by “Prag News” TV channel based in Guwahati, on grounds of her being pregnant and that according to its management wouldn’t be ‘agile’ to report. The sacking not only amounts ton clear gender discrimination but it violates the maternity Benefit Act, said the IJU and demanded that she be reinstated. 

Ranjita Rabha, who had worked for 14 years with “Prag News” based in Guwahati, was forced to submit her resignation last week by the Channel’s management following resumption of work after a fortnight’s leave. Though she even offered to go on unpaid leave and hoped the management would pay heed to her request, it wasn’t the case.

In a statement, the IJU President and former Member, Press Council of India and Secretary General and IFJ Vice President Sabina Inderjit said that it is ‘inhuman’ to sack a journalist who is pregnant and working in the forefront to report during COVID-19. The Maternity Benefit Act, the IJU noted has been amended and that Ranjitha was entitled to nine months maternity leave instead of six. The management has conveniently chosen to ignore this and the IJU urged the Department of Women and Child Welfare to intervene and take appropriate action against the Prag news management.