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Since January, nine places owe me money for my work. This includes public universities and media organizations. Both, temples of learning. More than not getting paid, my disappointment emanates from the radio silence to the email, text, phone reminders. #FreelancersInIndia
And trust me, it is very humiliating to keep sending reminders for petty amounts. When you talk about press freedom, do give a thought to the self respect and integrity of the journalists you are engaging for work. #IndependentJournalists
There have been instances in the past when freelancers who demanded timely payments were labelled as troublemakers and not commissioned work again. Do think of the caste-class-gender hierarchies you are building when you expect the freelancers to not remind you of payments #Media
And let me tell you that unlike international media organizations, no Indian media outlets signs contracts with freelancers. So one is pretty much at the mercy of the organization for timely payments or legal defence, if situation arises. You are pretty much on your own. #press
And to those who say 'why freelance then?' --the increasing censorship, retrenchments in Indian mainstream media has created a huge pool of independent journalists. All new media outlets depend majorly on their journalistic work. With no bureaus, they bring news from remote parts
So freelancers are integral part of the new media model in India. So I speak on behalf of many independent journalists that even if you can't pay us what we are worth, at least pay us on time and if not, respond to reminders.
