Terms and Conditions for Volunteer Journalists

1. Nature of Engagement (Voluntary Basis)

Non-Employment Status: Submission and subsequent appointment as a Volunteer Journalist does not constitute an employer-employee relationship, contract of employment, or permanent job at Rights Media or Rights Media Society.

No Salary / Commercial Targets: Volunteer Journalists work on a voluntary, service-oriented basis. Rights Media Society does not mandate commercial targets, advertisement collection, or subscription quotas.

Zero Registration Fee: The society does not charge registration fees or payment for issuing Press Credentials/ID Cards.

2. Eligibility Criteria & Verification

Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.

Background Check: The applicant consents to background verification, including educational qualifications, Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN), and police/criminal background checks if required by the society administration.

Accuracy of Information: Supplying false, misleading, or forged documents will lead to immediate rejection or summary termination of credentials, alongside potential legal action.

3. Probational Period & Training Mandatory Attendance

Probationary Term: Every newly appointed Volunteer Journalist will serve a mandatory 3-month probation period during which reporting ethics, performance, and compliance will be evaluated.

Mandatory Training Workshop: Applicants agree to attend the mandatory two-day Digital Journalism, Ethics, Fact-Checking, and Legal Literacy Workshop prior to or during onboarding.

4. Code of Conduct & Editorial Guidelines

Factual & Verified Reporting: Reports, news leads, RTI applications, and media content must be verified, accurate, non-defamatory, and comply with the Code of Ethics of Digital News Publishing.

No Extortion / Misuse of Credentials: Press ID Cards, vehicle stickers, or official designation letters are solely for legitimate news gathering and public grievance reporting. Misuse for extortion, blackmail, personal gain, dispute settlement, or threatening officials will result in immediate cancellation and legal prosecution.

Source Confidentiality & Protection: Whistleblower leads and confidential sources must be handled with strict confidentiality.

5. Welfare Benefits & Accidental Insurance

Volunteer Journalists who successfully complete the 3-month probation period and remain in good standing are eligible for complimentary Group Accidental Insurance Policy coverage, subject to the terms, conditions, and approvals of the empanelled insurance provider.

6. Intellectual Property & Content Rights

Articles, ground reports, photographs, audio recordings, and videos submitted become the editorial property of Rights Media Society upon publication. Applicants guarantee content is original or properly licensed and does not infringe third-party intellectual property or privacy rights.

7. Termination & Revocation of Credentials

The Founder President / Executive Committee reserves the absolute right to suspend, revoke, or terminate credentials, ID Card, and portal access at any time without prior notice. Grounds include violation of bylaws, breach of journalistic ethics, non-performance, unauthorized commercial dealings, or actions bringing disrepute. Upon termination or resignation, all official ID cards, letters, and society equipment must be surrendered within 7 business days.

8. Declaration & Consent

I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the Terms & Conditions and Code of Ethics outlined by Rights Media Society. I declare that all information provided in this application is true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that serving as a Volunteer Journalist is a social service commitment to defend rights and truth without commercial expectations.