Jammu, Feb. 20 -- Ashwani Kumar, president of the Jammu and Kashmir accredited journalists association, has hailed the demand for a pension scheme for retired journalists raised by Tanvir Sadiq, MLA from Zadibal assembly constituency and chief spokesman of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference. Sadiq raised the demand in Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly on Wednesday. "Tanvir Sadiq has rightly understood the plight of retired journalists who worked tirelessly with pen and paper to strengthen democracy in the country,' said Kumar in a statement issued here. He further said that senior journalists dedicate their lives upholding democratic values, often working under challenging and risky conditions, and definitely deserved social security after retirement. He pointed out that most states and Union Territories across the country are already providing monthly pensions to senior journalists who have completed 20 years of service and attained the age of 58 years, on the pattern of corporate sector norms. He said Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh are providing monthly pensions to eligible journalists....