New Delhi: Government has included electronic
media persons in the ambit of Journalist Welfare Fund (JWF)
scheme meant for providing ex-gratia relief to journalists and
increased the compensation amount to Rs five lakh in case of
death.
The scheme was formulated in 2001-02 and provided for
payment of ex-gratia relief of Rs one lakh to journalists or
to their families in case of death, permanent disability or
extreme hardship on account of the journalist`s death.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni,
while interacting with mediapersons on the occasion of World
Press Freedom Day, said that with effect from April 8, 2010,
the scheme has involved electronic mediapersons also.
"Upto Rs five lakh would be provided to the family under
extreme hardship on account of the journalist`s death or
permanent disability," she said.
Apart from this, Rs three lakh would be given towards
cost of treatment of major ailments. This would be subject to
the medical expenditure not being covered under CGHS or any
other insurance or departmental health schemes etc.
Also, Rs two lakh would be given in case of accidents
causing serious injuries necessitating hospitalisation. This
would be subject to the medical expenditure not being covered
under CGHS or any other departmental health scheme.
These provisions are for accredited journalists.
The minister said that in case of non-accredited
journalists, the amount will be limited to Rs one lakh for
journalists who have worked for five continuous years. An
additional one lakh rupees would be provided for every
additional five years of working in the same manner subject to
the maximum ceiling provided in each of the above cases.
The scheme does not include people employed in managerial
or administrative capacity.
-PTI
