‘Submit ID cards, bank statements’: Admin issues new verification order for journalists in Baramulla

November 3, 2025 by News Desk

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.

The directive comes in the backdrop of recent protests staged by members of the Jammu Kashmir Assembly against what they termed as sensational and defamatory reporting targeting elected representatives.

It may be noted that only a handful of journalists were granted passes to cover the Assembly proceedings, sparking discussions about restricted media access.

Officials said the move seeks to create a transparent mechanism for verifying bonafide media professionals, ensuring that only accredited and credible journalists represent the press at government events.

Copies of the circular have been forwarded to the District Magistrate Baramulla, Director Information and PR J&K, Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla/Sopore, and Joint Director Information and PR Kashmir for necessary information and compliance.