BJD MLA Pushes For Pension For Odisha Journalists In Assembly

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA from Bhograi Goutam Buddha Das on Wednesday demanded for implementation of a pension scheme for journalists in Odisha.

He raised the matter in the state Assembly during the Zero Hour.

Speaking to the media later, Das said that the government should form a committee to look into this demand. “Neither the media organisation nor the government has any provision for the same. The pension which they draw from EPF after retirement is minuscule,” he said.

He has also proposed that the Rs 5 lakh health insurance coverage provided to journalists by the state government should be extended to their parents.

He urged the government to provide passes to working journalists to access Lok Seva Bhavan. He also spoke about establishment of a Press Academy and the enforcement of the Journalist Protection Act to ensure their safety.