Sohail Khan
Srinagar/Jammu, October 05: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has yet to formally reconstitute the Jammu & Kashmir Media Accreditation Committee (JKMAC) for the 2026–2028 term, leaving journalists awaiting clarity over the renewal and grant of media accreditation.
The delay has raised questions within the media fraternity, particularly as the new accreditation cycle is already underway and journalists from both Jammu and Srinagar divisions are awaiting the processing of their accreditation cases.
Earlier, it was understood that the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) was undertaking inter-departmental consultations required for reconstitution of the committee. However, the committee has reportedly not been formally notified so far.
The continued delay has also affected the processing of fresh accreditation applications as well as renewal cases according to members of the media fraternity.
Media accreditation is important for journalists covering government functions, official briefings, press conferences and other institutional engagements. Any prolonged delay in the process can create practical difficulties for journalists in carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The media fraternity is now seeking clarity from the government and the concerned authorities on the reasons for the delay and the present status of the proposal for reconstitution of the JKMAC.
Among the questions being raised are -Has the inter-departmental consultation process been completed? Which stage has the proposal reached? When will the committee be formally constituted? And when will pending fresh and renewal accreditation applications be taken up?
Journalists have urged the Department of Information and Public Relations and the J&K Government to complete the process at the earliest and issue the necessary notification so that the accreditation process for the 2036–2038 term can proceed without further delay.
The Jammu & Kashmir Media Accreditation Committee examines applications and grants accreditation to eligible journalists in accordance with the prescribed guidelines of the Department of Information and Public Relations.
The media fraternity is now awaiting an official clarification from the government regarding the delay and the expected timeline for reconstitution of the committee.
