August 11, 2021, New Delhi- The Indian Women Press Corps was issued an eviction notice by the government claiming expiry of the lease and the concessional period of their premises. Located on 5, Windsor Place office in Lutyens’ Delhi, the IWPC were also asked to pay INR 3 million, which the Ministry of Union Housing and Urban Affairs claims is outstanding dues. IWPC representatives claimed that they had sent reminders of lease renewals as well as paid their dues on time. The organization insists there has been a communication gap.

After the BJP government in India decided to review the space allotted to NGOs within the limits of New Delhi Municipal Corporation, Union Housing Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, raised the lease issue of the premises from which the IWPC operates. The land was leased out in 1994, which ended this year in January. A six month concessionary period ended after that. Following which, members of the organization were told to vacate the offices. 

Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC), which claims to be the country’s “first association of women journalists”, has over 800 members and is an active participant of India’s dynamic civil society. IWPC president Vineeta Pandey told a local publication that the organization has sent requests for lease extension on time and does not owe any money in dues. “We were told by the concerned official that the process by the government got delayed due to pandemic and lockdown. Our request for extension has been processed but it will take time due to inter-ministerial consultation. Whenever a lease is renewed it is from the date it expires,” she went on to add.

Pandey also insists that they have paid their rent on time and is ready to present the bank statements required to back her claim. However, the Ministry of Union Housing denies having received any payment. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is following the situation as it develops. Women journalist unions are important organization not only from a standpoint of press freedoms, but are also support networks for women and queer journalists who might face barriers in the field due to their gender identity of sexual orientation. Organizations like these make important contributions to the civic culture of a society and need to be sustained. CFWIJ hopes that whatever the conflict is resolved as soon as possible so that the organization could continue to function.