Policies/Regulations

The Office of the District Information Officer, Baramulla, has issued a circular directing all media persons operating in the district to submit their personal and professional details for authentication within seven days.

The move, according to the authorities, is aimed at protecting the sanctity of journalism and curbing what they described as the growing menace of fake journalists.

The circular, dated November 3, 2025, of which a copy is available with The Kashmiriyat, was issued in compliance with directions from the Joint Director Information, Kashmir, under order number INF/K-Estt.2091-98/2025, dated October 31, 2025.

It instructs journalists to furnish credentials and supporting documents as per Annexure “A” attached with the notice.

The list includes Aadhaar, PAN or official ID cards, an appointment letter from their media organization, official contact details, bank or salary statements for the past six months, and academic qualification certificates.

“Journalists working with or owning digital news platforms are also required to submit links to their Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), and Instagram pages,” the order read.

The circular further states that only those journalists who are duly validated and authenticated by the District Information Office will be allowed to attend official government functions, press conferences, and cover visits of VIPs and VVIPs within the district. Unauthorized or unverified individuals, it adds, will not be entertained under any circumstances.