Guwahati, Assam, March 28 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the state government does not recognise journalists working for web portals or YouTube channels as media professionals. The remarks came during a press conference following a state cabinet meeting held on Thursday, March 27.
Addressing concerns regarding Dilwar Hussain Mozumder, the journalist who was recently arrested and granted bail, the chief minister clarified that the government only recognises print and electronic media as legitimate journalists.
“The government does not identify Dilwar Hussain as a journalist,” he said. “In Assam, only legacy media—print and television—are officially recognised.”
Sarma elaborated that the department of Information and Public Relations has never granted journalist status to any portal media personnel.
“We do not provide registration, advertisements, or identity cards to them. As of now, they do not qualify under our definition of journalists,” the chief minister added. “Neither have any of the web portals ever approached us for the same.”
Regarding Mozumder's case, Sarma also noted that his professional identity remains unclear, as he is also engaged in business activities, including dealing in dumpers.
He indicated that the government would consult with the Guwahati Press Club to assess whether individuals from digital platforms should be considered journalists.