The Newspaper Association of India (NAI) has appointed Shilpa Bhatt Bahuguna as the President of its Uttarakhand State Unit, marking a significant step toward strengthening journalistic representation and press advocacy in the hill state. The decision was unanimously approved during a meeting of the Newspaper Association of India held on 15 January at the NAI Head Office in Delhi, in the presence of senior office bearers and members of the Association.
The appointment was formally announced by Vipin Gaur, General Secretary of the Newspaper Association of India, who emphasized the organization’s renewed commitment to safeguarding journalists’ rights and revitalizing its activities in Uttarakhand. Shilpa Bhatt Bahuguna’s tenure as State President will be effective from 24 January 2026 to 31 December 2028.
Shilpa Bhatt Bahuguna is a journalism graduate and has been actively engaged in the media sector for over a decade. Alongside her work as a journalist, she has also established herself as a young entrepreneur. Her professional background and grassroots understanding of media challenges are expected to play a crucial role in strengthening NAI’s presence and outreach across Uttarakhand.
Expressing her gratitude on being entrusted with the responsibility, Shilpa Bhatt Bahuguna said that she would work with full dedication to protect the rights and interests of journalists in the state. She emphasized the need for unity among media professionals and assured that the Uttarakhand unit would actively engage with the government and other stakeholders to address long-pending issues faced by journalists, particularly those working in remote and hilly regions.
Speaking on the occasion, NAI General Secretary Vipin Gaur said that the organization had earlier been active in Uttarakhand, but its activities had slowed down in recent years. “With renewed energy and leadership, the Newspaper Association of India will once again work strongly for the welfare, safety, and professional dignity of journalists in Uttarakhand,” he said.
Vipin Gaur also outlined the major demands of the Association, which include the implementation of a state pension scheme for working journalists, provision of accidental insurance coverage to ensure financial assistance and medical treatment in case of mishaps, and the enactment of a Journalist Protection Law to prevent attacks, harassment, and intimidation of media persons.
Other key demands highlighted by NAI include the formulation of a fair advertising policy for small and medium newspapers, issuance of transport passes to enable journalists to travel freely across districts for news coverage, and official recognition of web portals, allowing digital journalists to receive state accreditation. The Association has also called for the establishment of a modern media centre in Dehradun, equipped with computers, printers, and internet facilities, as well as the upgradation and renovation of the Press Club to provide better infrastructure for journalists.
Vipin Gaur noted that NAI had previously submitted a memorandum to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, seeking solutions to these issues, and expressed hope that constructive dialogue with the state government would continue under the new leadership.
The Newspaper Association of India expressed confidence that under the leadership of Shilpa Bhatt Bahuguna, the Uttarakhand State Unit would play a proactive role in promoting press freedom, ethical journalism, and democratic values, while also working toward the overall development of the media ecosystem in the state.
