Odisha Govt Bonanza For Working Journalists

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday announced a slew of welfare measures for working journalists.

Briefing the media here, Information and Public Relations (I&PR) minister Pratap Jena said a decision to this effect was taken by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

Concerned departments and officials have been asked to implement the order of the chief minister with effect from June 1, the minister added.

According to a notification, the government will provide compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of a journalist if the latter dies while on duty. Besides, it will provide compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the family of the working journalist if he is seriously ill or has become physically invalid.

This apart the government has also decided to provide financial assistance to the children of the deceased journalists. According to the decision, a monthly assistance of Rs 1500 would be provided for the education of the children up to Class X while Rs 2500 would be provided every month for higher education.

Besides, the government will provide a maximum house building loan of Rs 25 lakh with a 3 per cent rebate on the interest amount, while those willing to purchase a four-wheeler and two-wheeler would be provided loans of Rs 4 lakh and Rs 50,000 respectively. Those availing vehicle loans will also get 3 per cent rebate on interest.

The government will also provide financial assistance for working journalists going for skill enhancement programmes in institutions like Indian Institute of Mass Communications (IIMC).

It may be mentioned that so far 3233 working journalists have been registered for health insurance under the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthyabima Yojana.