AJK Press Foundation Rules

AZAD GOVT. OF THE STATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR PRESS FOUNDATION

******

“Muzaffarabad”

Date: 06-02-2023

NOTIFICATION:

No. 26/PF/2023. In exercise of the powers conferred by clause 17 of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Press Foundation Act, 2003, the Board of Governors is pleased to make the following amendments in Regulations 2009 and (amendment) Regulations 2018:-

CHAPTER I

Preliminary

1. Short title and commencement:- (1) These Regulations may be called the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Press Foundation Regulations, 2009.

(2) These Regulations shall come into force at once.

2. Definitions:- (1) Unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context the expressions in these regulations shall have the following meanings:-

(a) “Act” means the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Press Foundation Act, 2003;

(b) “Accommodation Committee” means committee constituted under the Regulation No. 24 for the provision of residential facilities;

(d) “Board of Governors” means Board of Governors of the Press Foundation constituted under Section 8 of the Act;

(e) “Executive Committee” means the committee constituted for the affairs related to funds and their utilization under Regulation No. 9;

(f) “Form” means the form appended to these Regulations;

(g) “Fund” means the Fund constituted under Section 7 of the Act;

(h) “National Daily News Paper or Weekly or Periodical Journal” shall mean a National Daily News Paper or Weekly or Periodical Journal in whose favour the declaration is granted at any place in Pakistan and its head office is also situated thereat having circulation in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the correspondents / reporters, photographers are functioning in Azad Jammu & Kashmir having their sub-offices anywhere in the territory of Azad Jammu & Kashmir;

(i) “Regulations ” means the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Press Foundation Regulations, 2009;

(j) “Recognized News Agency / Organization or a National Daily, Weekly or Quarterly Journal” means recognized by head of the Information Department in accordance with sub-rule (3) of Rule 2;

(k) “State Daily News Paper or Weekly / Periodical, Journal” shall mean a Daily News Paper or Weekly / Periodical, Journal in whose favour the declaration granted within the territory of Azad Jammu & Kashmir having its head office anywhere in Azad Jammu & Kashmir with circulation in the territory of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan.

(l) “Vice Chairman” means the person chosen by the elected members of the Board of Governors in accordance with section 8(1)(b) of the Act.

(m) “Welfare Committee” means committee constituted under Regulation No. 19.

(2) The terms and expressions used in these Regulations but not defined shall have the same meaning as in the Act.

(3) The “head of the Information Department” shall determine the status of each “National Daily News Paper or Weekly or Periodical Journal” and “State Daily News Paper or Weekly / Periodical Journal” in terms of classification and while doing so the process adopted by Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) shall be followed as far as it is practicable.

CHAPTER II

Grant of Accreditation Certificate / Card

3. Procedure for grant of Accreditation:-

(i) The Correspondent / Reporter / Photographer of a News Paper or a News Agency [or any other media organization][1] should fulfill the following conditions to qualify for Accreditation:-

(a) His place of work should be in a town where there is an office of the Information Department of AJK Government;

(b) Only full time journalists will be accredited;

(c) Applications of only those journalists will be entertained who have spent at least five years in the profession as full time journalists at the time of their application for accreditation. [………….][2]

(d) Any person who is attached to some News Paper but at the same time runs a private News Agency will be unable to get a separate accreditation card. Provided if a correspondent represents more than one paper or News Agency, the name of those News Papers or Agencies will be specified on his accreditation card.

(ii) Any person qualified under section 4 of the Act who fulfills the conditions mentioned in clause (i) may apply for grant of Accreditation [Card][3] in Form-A to the Secretary along with certified copies of the following documents:-

(a) Matriculation Certificate along with certificate of experience for 5 years in Journalism signed by Chief Executive of a News Agency / Organization, National Daily [or any other media organization.][4]

Any other Academic attainment, which in the opinion of Accreditation Committee, enables him / her to fulfill professional obligations and requirements as Editor, Correspondent, News Reporter having declaration in his favour of any Daily, weekly or Periodical, Journal;

(b) Certificate issued by the “head of the Information Department” of AJK Government to the effect that the name of the applicant is placed at Government Media list maintained by the Press Information Department of AJK Government;

(c) [Valid appointment order or contract letter][5] / [signed by the competent authority][6] showing details of emoluments authorizing him / her to perform his / her duties as Reporter / Correspondent and photographer / [Cameraman][7] of [the media list of AJK][8].

(d) Copy of State Subject Certificate and National Identity Card or Permanent Resident Certificate / Citizenship Certificate in case of Pakistani National working in AJK;

(e) Declaration in Form-B duly signed by the applicant that he / she is not a convicted person or civil servant and will not engage himself / herself in any other business or profession which in the judgment of the Accreditation Committee compromises his / her status as Journalist and a correspondent or as a News Reporter or Editor or as the case may be.

[(f) There will be two categories of Journalists;

i.	Full Time Journalist	(Category A)
ii.	The Working Journalist with part time business / job.	(Category B)

Provided that the Working Journalist with part time business will be eligible to get 50% benefits from Press Foundation while the Full Time Journalist shall be eligible for all benefits.

(g) After providing the applications, the Foundation is bound to respond the applicant within 60 days and the head of Information Department is responsible to make the managements of the Test Twice in a year, in first week of April and October, and the successful candidates shall be called for interview. The accreditation Committee shall decide the procedure of the Test and Interview.][9]

(iii) The application shall be accompanied by a fee of Rs. [1000/-.][10]

(iv) The application shall be placed before the Accreditation Committee, who may before passing an order for grant or refusal of Accreditation Card shall verify the correctness of the documentary proof produced by the applicant and if deems fit, the committee may call the applicant for interview and also hold a summary inquiry with respect to applicant’s past conduct and qualification in the manner as it thinks fit.

[4.(1) The membership of foundation shall be granted to a Journalist who fulfills the criteria laid down in Act and Rules for membership of Foundation and on production of the copy of certificate of the member Board of Governors of concerned district along with endorsement of district information officer with application for membership of the Foundation in the following manners:-

(i) All the Journalists performing functions at head office of Media organization shall be eligible for membership of Foundation.

(ii) Only three journalists shall be eligible for membership from a Bureau Office;

(iii) In case there is no Bureau Office in a district, one (1) Journalist shall be eligible for membership of Foundation from Tehsil;

(2) Where an incorrect / false certification is provided by the member of board of governors or information officer, such member or officer, as the case may be, shall be liable to departmental proceedings and his membership shall be suspended forthwith.][11]

5. Where the Committee grants the Accreditation Card the same shall be issued in Form-C in case the Committee refuses the Accreditation Certificate the Secretary shall forthwith communicate the order recorded by the Committee to the applicant.

6. The applicant whose application is rejected shall be entitled to prefer a Review Application before the Accreditation Committee within a period of 30 days of the communication of the order upon discovery of any new ground of document. The application shall be accompanied with a fee of Rs. 500/-.

7. The Accreditation Committee after hearing the applicant and proper inquiry shall pass any order, as it considers fit and the same shall be final.

8. The applicant in whose favour the Accreditation Card is granted, shall pay [Rs. 1500/- per year][12] as contribution. The payment shall be made on monthly, quarterly or six monthly basis and in all cases the arrears for the year shall be cleared before 31^st December of each calendar year.

9. In case of failure to pay contribution, the Accreditation [Card][13] will be considered canceled in term of Section 5(a) (b) of the Act.

Provided that in case, the applicant pays the whole arrears along with [Rs. 500/- penalty upon the amount of due arrears within a period of 45 days][14] and undertakes to pay the contribution regularly in future, the Accreditation Card will be deemed to have been valid.

10. Once the applicant is accredited it will be valid upto one year and upon application for renewal alongwith a copy of the identity card, [fresh proof of attachment with any media organization signed by the competent authority][15], [………..][16] the head of Information Department may extend the time limit without referring it to the committee.

CHAPTER III

General Management and Finance

11. (1) There shall be an Executive Committee of the Foundation comprising of the following:-

(i) [Any senior member of the Board nominated by the Board of Governors][17]

(ii) Secretary of the Press Foundation

(iii) Two members will be amongst the persons holding the Accreditation Card nominated by the Chairman.

(iv) In case of misconduct, any member of the Committee will be terminated on a notice approved by the Chairman Press Foundation.

Provided the committee once constituted shall function for two years as the secretary Press Foundation shall act as the Secretary of the Committee.

(2) The Vice Chairman shall be ex-officio member of every committee of the foundation and shall co-ordinate the functioning of the committees, the Board of Governors and perform such functions, as assigned to him under the Act, regulations by the Board of Governors or Chairman.

12. The committee shall be responsible for realizing all money of the foundation out of the funds for the management, administration and utilization in accordance with the authorized and sanctioned annual financial statement and supplementary financial statement authorized by the Board of Governors.

13. Without prejudice, the Chairman shall be responsible for general supervision and control upon management, administration and utilization of the funds of the Foundation.

14. The committee shall consider the expenditures to be incurred and shall recommend to the Chairman for realization out of the funds of the Foundation to meet the expenditures;

Provided that in case of emergency the Chairman will be empowered to realize an amount up to Rs. 50 thousands and the Vice-Chairman an amount up to Rs. 30 and the Secretary an amount up to Rs. 20 thousands so as to disburse in order to meet immediate and urgent expense which will be subject to audit.

15. A Cash Book shall be maintained in Form-D by the committee (upon the opening of the Cash Book, the page numbers shall be marked and at the end a certificate of the total pages is to be appended duly signed by the Secretary) and a receipt of all cash and cheques for credit to the funds shall be entered on the receipt side of the cash book as soon as the amount is received either in cash or through a cheque. The receipt of the cheque or cash will be issued by the Secretary or any other office authorized by the Secretary. The payment of all money from the funds shall be entered on the expenditure side of the side of the cash book (with supporting vouchers, receipts etc.) as soon as the disbursement is made and at the end of each day total of the amount received and spent during the day shall be worked out and the balance struck.

16. All the entries in the cash book shall be checked item by item by the Secretary with reference to the receipts and expenditure vouchers and cheques. The cash book shall be signed by the Secretary daily monthly or as the case may be.

17. At the end of each month the balance shall be struck and the closing balance shall be verified with reference to the bank pass book. The total fo various columns in the cash book shall be carried forward into the next month.

18. At the end of every six months a statement of the Account giving full details of income and expenditures shall be compiled in form-E and laid before the Board of Governors.

19. At the end of each financial year annual financial statement of accounts so compiled shall be audited in the manner prescribed in Section 14 of the Act.

20. The funds of the Foundation shall be kept in a bank to be approved by the Chairman and the same shall be operated with the joint signature of the Chairman and Secretary or specially directed by the Chairman in his behalf.

CHAPTER IV

Welfare Committee and The Financial Assistance to the Members

21. There shall be a Welfare Committee of the Foundation comprising of the following:-

(i) Secretary Information AJK Government or any other officer nominated by the Chairman.

(ii) Two members nominated by the Chairman from amongst the persons holding Accreditation Card.

(iii) One member [board of governors][18] of the Press Foundation nominated by the Chairman.

(iv) In case of misconduct, any member of the Committee will be terminated on a notice approved by the Chairman Press Foundation.

Provided the committee once constituted shall function for two years. The Secretary Press Foundation shall act as the Secretary of the Committee.

[22. The Welfare Committee shall extend financial assistance in the following cases:-

(i) In case of death of a member an amount of Rs. 30,000 shall be paid to the legal heirs of the deceased member as burial expenses immediately.

(ii) In case of death of a legal heir of a member, an amount of Rs. 20,000 shall be paid as burial expenses immediately.

(iii) (a) In case of Death and Serious Diseases;

Disease Amount

	Category A	Category B
In Case of Death of a Member	400,000	200,000
In Case of Heart Surgery	50,000	30,000
In Case of Cancer	50,000	30,000
In Case of Dialysis	50,000	30,000
In Case of Hepatitis (a, b or c)	25,000	15,000

(b) In case of disability of children, amount of Rs. 40,000 for category ‘A’ and 30,000 for category ‘B’ shall be paid per annum.

(iv) In case of disability and complete bed rest more than three months or any chronic life time disease to a member (Full Time Journalist) the welfare committee shall issue the Foundation Support Card of an amount of 10,000 per month for three or six months after complete judgment of the case.

(v) Upon the approval of the committee, a member shall be granted an amount of Rs. 60,000 for category ‘A’ and 40,000 for category ‘B’ per annum in case a son or daughter of a member is undergoing education after intermediate and has been granted admission in any Govt. professional institute.

(vi) In case of marriage of a member / son / daughter of a member an amount of Rs. 40,000 shall be paid to such member after complete verification of the case.

(vii) Special Honorarium for children of a member against 3% Foundation Cess.

(a) In case a child of member receiving above 80% in SSC or HSSC exam shall be paid an amount of Rs. 15,000 for category ‘A’ and 10,000 for category ‘B’.

(b) In case a child of a member complete Hifz-e-Quraan shall paid an amount of Rs. 20,000.

Provided the committee shall have the powers to fix amount for assistance in every case keeping in view the financial resources of the Foundation and the expenditures involved in any of the aforesaid exigencies.

23. The member entitled to financial assistance shall submit his application to the Chairman of the committee supported with all the documentary evidence. The committee shall scrutinize the documents and approve the financial assistance in the meeting of the committee; the minutes of the committee should be recorded.

[24. All applications shall submitted upon a prescribed form, In case a member is suffering from a serious disease and is hospitalized and advised for a major operation by a classified surgeon or by the authorized medical officer will be able to get the facility. In case of education, the verification of the head of institution and in case of marriage, the invitation card or any other valid documentary proof shall be provided to the committee with application form.][20]

CHAPTER V

Provision of Low Cost Accommodation to Members

25. There shall be an Accommodation Committee comprising of the following:-

(i) Chairman of the Committee shall be any member of Board of Governors nominated by the Chairman Press Foundation.

(ii) Two members of the foundation nominated by the Chairman Press Foundation.

(iii) One member nominated by the Chairman from amongst the persons holding Accreditation Card.

(iv) In case of misconduct, any member of the Committee will be terminated on a notice approved by the Chairman Press Foundation.

Provided committee once constituted shall act for two years. Any member mentioned by the Chairman Press Foundation shall act as Secretary of this Committee.

26. The Accommodation Committee shall take all necessary steps for purchase of or acquisition of land under the provisions of Land Acquisition Act and to prepare housing schemes thereon.

27. The funds for the purchase or acquisition of land and for the preparation of the housing schemes shall be generated by the committee from such sources as it may consider fit subject to the approval of the Board of Governors.

28. After development of the housing schemes the allotment of the plots or the houses or as the case may be shall be made by the committee on the basis of seniority. This will be obtained from the date of receipt of application. Provided in case a member having his own house at the location of a housing scheme shall not be entitled to allotment of the plot or the house.

CHAPTER IV

Elections

29. The term of office of the elected members of the Foundation will be two years and elections will be held within 60 days after the expiry of the term. [……….][21]

Provided, in case the Chairman is satisfied due to any exigency, the holding of election within the period fixed is not possible, the elected member shall continue to hold office until the elections of the elected members are held. The procedure of elections shall be as follows.

30. (1) The Chairman shall appoint any officer of BPS-19 above from amongst the officials of Press Information Department of AJ&K Government as Chief Election Commissioner.

(2) The place of the office of the Chief Election Commissioner shall also be specified and the location of the office will not be altered during the course of election process, except for the compelling reasons to be recorded in writing by the Chairman, and copies whereof shall be published at least in one leading English and one leading vernacular daily not later than 4 days before the change takes place.

31. The Chief Election Commissioner, before publishing a programme of the election of the elected members, shall prepare list of votes in the following manner:-

(a) Any person in whose favour an Accreditation Card is issued will be eligible to be registered as a voter for the election of Foundation.

(b) [………….][22]

(c) The Chief Election Commissioner shall prepare a preliminary list of voters and send the copy of the same to each district and notify that objections to the preliminary list can be filed within [05 days][23] of the date of its publications.

(d) The Chief Election Commissioner shall take decision on the objections to the preliminary voter list including claim for inclusion of the name of any voter within [{10 days} and shall notify the final voter list {………}][24] prior the publication of programme of the election for the elected members of the Foundation.

32. The Chief Election Commissioner shall publish the programme for the elections of the members of the Foundation specifying:-

(i) The date for receipt of proposals for elections;

(ii) The date of scrutiny of such proposals will be later than 7 days of the receiving of proposals for elections at the office of Chief Election Commissioner.

(iii) The date on which list of the contesting candidates shall be published;

(iv) The dates by which a candidate may withdraw his proposal;

(v) The date on which the final list of the candidates will be published;

(vi) The date on which voting shall take place; and

(vii) The date on which the result of election shall be declared; and

Provided that there will be interval of at least 14 days between the date of scrutiny and the date on which voting shall take place and the date on which the results of elections are declared.

33. The nomination papers shall be delivered any time before 2 P.M on a specified date duly by the proposar, secondar and the candidate. The nomination papers shall be accompanied with a fee of Rs. 5,000 [and the attested copy of Accreditation Card with proof of qualification. The Chief Election Commissioner or Returning Officer may ask the candidates to provide the original documents attached with nomination papers.][25]

Provided that [no one can contest the election until he remains the member of the Foundation for two years and][26] no one can submit more than one proposal for one seat for the member to be elected from such district.

34. The Chief Election Commissioner, upon application shall allow the inspection of proposals to any other candidate before the scrutiny.

35. In case of objections to the nomination of any candidate the Chief Election Commissioner after hearing the candidate, the objector and after making such summary inquiry as he thinks fit, may accept or reject the nomination papers.

Provided that a Revision Petition against the order of rejection or acceptance of nomination papers shall be filed before the Chairman within the period specified by the Chief Election Commissioner who will have the power to modify it in the manner as he may deem fit.

36. Candidate may withdraw his candidature before the expiry of the third day fixed for publication of final list of candidates and he may retire signing a declaration from election atleast 48 hours before the holding of Election.

37. The Chief Election Commissioner shall notify the polling stations atleast 3 days before the day of polling, the areas to be reserved for any polling station. The Presiding Officer of the polling station shall be appointed within 3 days before the day of polling by the Chief Election Commissioner from amongst the officials of Press Information Department either working in the Directorate or at any district level.

38. All voters shall cast their votes at the polling station specified in the list except voters appointed as polling agents who will be entitled to cast their vote at polling station at which they have been appointed as polling agents. A candidate may cast his vote at any polling station.

39. The ballot paper shall be specified by the Chief Election Commissioner and the name of the contesting candidates will be written in English in alphabetical order.

40. The Chief Election Commissioner shall provide the polling officer with a list of voters of the area for which he has been appointed as polling officer, the polling officer shall conduct the polls in accordance with the provision of these rules and shall exercise all necessary powers to maintain law and order at the polling station and shall report to the Chief Election Commissioner of any act or incident, which in his opinion affects the conduct of free, fair and transparent ballot.

41. Before the commencement of the polls, the polling officer shall ensure transparency by showing each ballot box to the polling agents of the candidates. He will make sure that the box is empty and is properly sealed in the balloting position and placed before him prior to the receiving of ballot papers.

42. A list of contesting candidates will be displayed outside the polling station.

43. In order to facilitate the voters to mark their ballot paper in secret the Presiding Officer shall setup polling booths screened from any outside observation where voters shall record their vote secretly.

44. A voter on receiving the ballot papers shall forthwith;

(i) put his signature at the counterfoil of the ballot;

(ii) the Presiding Office shall handover the ballot paper to the voter and shall sign at the back of the back of the ballot paper;

(iii) the voter shall proceed to the place screened at the polling booth and record his vote on the ballot paper by putting a [tick () or stamp][27] against the name of the candidate for whom the voter intends to vote;

(iv) hold the ballot paper so as to conceal his vote and insert the ballot paper into the ballot box placed in front of Presiding Officer.

45. The polling shall continue upto 4 p.m. Any voter or voters present in the vicinity of the polling station shall have the right to cast their vote beyond 4 p.m. At the closing of polling the Presiding Officer shall count votes in presence of the candidates or their agents. He shall forward the ballot papers and the result of the counting of votes casted for various candidates in a sealed cover to the Chief Election Commissioner.

46. The Chief Election Commissioner after giving notice of at least 3 days to the contesting candidates about the date, time and place for the counting of votes, shall open the sealed packets received from the Presiding Officer, in the presence of the contesting candidates or their agents as they may be present and then proceed to count the ballot papers received from various polling stations.

47. The Returning Officer shall reject a ballot paper if the voter has put a cross against more candidates than the number of members to be elected and if the ballot paper contains a mark other than a cross put against the name of the candidate which is not found to be accidental.

48. The Chief Election Commissioner shall prepare a consolidated result and declare any candidate successful who obtains at least 51% of the total registered votes. Copies of the same shall be sent to the Information Department and all other Associations. In case, a candidate does not obtain 51% of the total votes in a District, the Chief Election Commissioner shall arrange election between top two candidates in the District and shall fix a date for such election and declare [a person elected by the majority][28].

49. The oath of the elected members of the Foundation shall be in Form-F and the same shall be taken by the Chairman Press Foundation.

CHAPTER VII

Elections of Journalists Unions

50. The Elections to the offices of the President of the Central Union of Journalist and Union of the Journalists shall be supervised by the Vice-Chairman or any member of the Board of Governors nominated by the Chairman. The member so nominated shall make arrangements for the conduct of elections in the manner corresponding to Chapter VI of these rules and submit a report to the Chairman within 10 days of the holding of such election.

51. The [Presidents][29] of the Central Union of Journalists and Union of Journalists after so elected shall apply for the membership of Board of Governors. [The Secretary Press Foundation will notify the elected presidents of the Central Union of Journalists and Union of Journalists as member of the Board of Governors after the approval of the Chairman.][30]

52. In case of any dispute pertaining to the membership of Board of Governors, the decision of the supervising authority described in Rule 51, above, shall be final.

Provided in case, any member or office bearer of Central Union of Journalists or Union of Journalists is not granted Accreditation Card by the Foundation, he shall not be eligible to apply for the membership of the Board of Governors.

CHAPTER VIII

Conduct of Members and Disciplinary Proceedings

53. [There shall be a Foundation Monitoring Committee of the Foundation comprising of the following:-

(i) Any Member of the Board of Governors nominated by the Chairman will be the Chairman of the Committee.

(ii) One member from Accreditation Committee nominated by the Chairman.

(iii) Information officer of concerned district;

(iv) A senior journalist from concerned division nominated by the Chairman.

(v) Assistant Foundation will be the Secretary Committee.

The Committee shall inquire the complaints against the members within 45 days and will furnish the inquiry reports to Secretary Foundation for the approval of the Chairman].[31]

(1) Every member / holder of Accreditation Card will be liable to disaccredited if:-

(i) He fails to uphold the dignity and high standing of profession of Journalism, as well his own dignity and high standing as a member and older of Accreditation Card;

(ii) He is not truthful, wise in opinion, not for bearing, blamed for some act and greedy in nature.

(iii) He enters into or continues any business dealing how so ever important it may be, with any party and should refrain from dealing with any party engaged in any business.

(iv) He tries to get unnecessary publicity or personally engages in any public controversy so as to exaggerate any local, religious and political controversy.

(v) He does not abide by the laws of Press and Publication and the code of conduct laid down by the competent legislative authority with respect to the profession of journalism and violates any law.

(vi) He engages himself in work other than journalistic such as soliciting business or advertisement.

(vii) He uses his position as an accredited representative, information and facilities provided to him for non-journalistic purpose.

(viii) He violates security requirements e.g. visit to prohibited areas under cover of professional pursuits.

(ix) He publishes official secrets whose inviolability is accepted by general understanding.

(x) He ignores or violates the conditions on which information and facilities provided to him by the Government.

(xi) He distorts official news or indulges in false, malicious and slanderous reporting.

(xii) He causes to represent the medium / organization on whose behalf he is accredited.

(xiii) A newspaper / news agency or any other news organization suspends its publication or becomes defunct on its own or as a result of Government / Court action.

(xiv) Fails to apply for renewal of the accreditation card within 15 days of the expiry of the period of its validity.

(xv) Fails to furnish satisfactory proof that his reports, photographs or films are being used regularly by the medium / organization which he represents.

(xvi) He becomes a member or an office bearer of a political party.

(xvii) He is convinced on moral grounds.

(2) When a representative ceases to represent the media / organization on whose behalf he is accredited, it is the duty both of the representative / his Editor / Chief Editor to inform the “Head of the Information Department” in writing within a period of 15 days and surrender the accreditation card, failure to do so may disqualify both, the representative and the organization concerned for future accreditation.

(3) The newspaper medium / organization to which he represents is responsible for willful publication of malafide reports or abuse of confidence.

(4) Newspaper, News Agencies and others concerned will have the right of Appeal in the manner provided hereinafter.

54. (1) Any complaint arises out of the violation of the Act, these Regulations any other Press and Publication Law or Code of Conduct provided for the profession of Journalism against any member / holder of accreditation card shall be addressed to the Chairman accompanied by all documents or copies or documents that are available to the complainant which shall be supported by an affidavit as to the correctness of the facts alleged therein.

Provided any of the Committee of the Foundation or the Board of the Governors of the Foundation Suo-moto initiates any proceedings under these Rules against the member / holder of accreditation card.

(2) No complaint shall be entertained unless a fee of Rs. 1,000/- is deposited at the Press Foundation, No such fee shall be refundable, in case the action is initiated upon the complaint of any of the committee or the Board of Governors.

(3) The Chairman shall refer the complaint to the Accreditation Committee constituted under the Act [or Foundation Monitoring Committee as the case may be].[32]

55. After perusal of the complaint the committee shall reject the complaint instantly. In case, the complaint is not rejected, the member / holder of accreditation card shall be called to submit his written explanation to the allegation within 15 days of the receipt of the notice alongwith the allegations.

Provided, in case, the proceedings are initiated upon the complaint of any of the Committee of the Foundation or the Board of Governors the same shall not be rejected and the Committee shall pass an interim order specifying therein the suspension of the membership or the accreditation card or as the case may be during the pendency of the inquiry proceedings.

56. After an inquiry by the Accreditation Committee in the manner which it deems fit and after hearing the complainant or the member / holder of accreditation card concerned, the committee shall have power either to reject the complaint or to order removal of the member or the withdraw the accreditation card.

Provided, in case, the proceeding is initiated upon the complaint of any of the committee of the Foundation or the Board of Governors, the Secretary of the Foundation shall represent the Committee or the Board during conduct of inquiry against the member / holder of accreditation card and shall produce evidence against the delinquent.

57. In case, any member is removed or the accreditation card is withdrawn or the complaint is rejected the person aggrieved shall have the right to apply for review upon discovery of any new ground or document or as the justice of the case may require before the Committee within 30 days of the communication of the order.

58. The committee after hearing the applicant and making further inquiry as it deems fit shall pass an order either to confirm, modify or to withdraw the order under review, which will be final.

59. Whenever, in the application of these Rules any difficulty arises or any lawful right of any person is adversely affected or the performance of the function of any of the Committee of the Foundation or of the Board of Governors is affected or prejudiced, the Board of the Governors may pass appropriate orders to safeguard rights of such person or the smooth functioning of the Committee of the Foundation and that of the Board of the Governors.

[CHAPTER IX

Registration of Press Clubs

60. There shall be a Press Club Registration Committee comprising of the following:-

(i)	Chairman of the Committee shall be the Head of Information Department.	Chairman
(ii)	The Member of the Board of Governors of the relevant district.	Member
(iii)	District Information Officer of the relevant district.	Member
(iv)	Three members nominated by the Chairman of the Committee amongst the Accreditation Card Holders.	Members
(v)	Any Competent Officer from the Department nominated by the Head of Information Department shall act as Secretary of the Committee.	Secretary

61. The Press Club Registration Committee shall take all necessary steps for the registration of all the press clubs in AJ&K.

62. The Committee shall design the registration certificate, application form etc.

63. The Committee shall frame the terms and conditions for the registration and facilitation of press clubs.

Provided the facilities shall be given only press club at district level initially.

64. In case of dispute of two press clubs, the decision of the committee shall be final.

Provided that the affectee can appeal against the decision of the Committee before the Chairman of the Foundation within 30 days following the procedure described in Rule 54, sub rule (2)][33].

[(a) In case of dispute of two press clubs, the decision of the Committee shall be final.

(b) The elections of all registered press clubs shall be held at the same date and day as per approval of the BOG of Press Foundation.][34]

[CHAPTER X

Awards

65. There shall be an Award Committee that will be constituted by the Board of Governors of the Press Foundation.

66. The Board of Governors shall decide the categories and the numbers of awards every year.

67. The Committee shall frame the terms and conditions for the grant of awards.][35]

[CHAPTER XI

Facilities For Vice Chairman And Members of The BoG

68. Non official members of the Board of Governors shall be entitled to get actual travelling and lodging expenses from the Foundation after providing the vouchers / tickets and bills.

69. The Vice Chairman is eligible to get 100 litter petrol and sum of Rs. 20,000 per month as honorarium and other expenses.][36]

__________________x_________________

Submitted to the meeting of the Board of Governors in its meeting held at ________________ for consideration and approval by Syed Ibrar Haider Vice-Chairman Azad Jammu & Kashmir Press Foundation.

Syed Ibrar Haider

Vice-Chairman

The Board of Governors Azad Jammu & Kashmir Press Foundation under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sardar Liaqat Hussain, Judge Azad Jammu & Kashmir High Court, considered the amendments in Regulations 2009 and (amendment) 2018. After detail deliberation the Press Foundation (amendment) Regulations, 2023 were approved. Hence, the Board of Governors directed that these Rules shall be notified into Official Gazette to come into force.

Secretary

Azad Jammu & Kashmir Press Foundation

Dated: 06-02-2023

[1] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[2] Deleted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[3] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[4] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[5] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 26/PF/2023, dated 06-02-2023

[6] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[7] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[8] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 26/PF/2023, dated 06-02-2023

[9] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[10] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[11] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[12] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[13] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[14] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[15] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[16] Deleted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[17] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[18] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[19] Changed vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 26/PF/2023, dated 06-02-2023

[20] Changed vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 26/PF/2023, dated 06-02-2023

[21] Deleted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[22] Deleted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[23] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[24] Substituted and deleted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[25] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[27] Changed vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 26/PF/2023, dated 06-02-2023

[28] Changed vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 26/PF/2023, dated 06-02-2023

[29] Changed vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[30] Substituted vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[31] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[32] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[33] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[34] Extended vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 26/PF/2023, dated 06-02-2023

[35] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 45/PF/2018, dated 26-01-2018

[36] Added vide AJK Press Foundation (amended) regulations 2018, 26/PF/2023, dated 06-02-2023

AJK Press Foundation Rules

AJK Press Foundation Rules

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