Bhubaneswar, Dec 31: The Odisha government has lifted the long-standing embargo on journalists’ entry into the Lok Seva Bhawan, allowing media professionals to access the state secretariat once again for their work. This restriction had been in place since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Although the pandemic subsided years ago, the ban remained in effect under successive administrations until now. In a significant move, the state government issued a notification on December 26, granting access to both accredited and non-accredited journalists. The new rules are expected to take effect soon, though a specific date has not been mentioned.

Under the updated guidelines, journalists must present their Aadhaar card and their organization’s identity card to gain entry. Each media house will be allowed to send one journalist and one photographer to the premises.

This decision has been welcomed by the press, as it restores their ability to report directly from the state’s administrative hub, a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and accountability.

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