Odisha CM announces sops for working journalists

Bhubaneswar, June 7, 2018: Recognising the vital
contribution of journalists to society, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on
Thursday announced various measures to ensure their all-round welfare and social
security, including a death benefit of Rs 4 lakh for working journalists and
financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh in case of permanent incapacitation.

Earlier on May 31, the State Government had implemented the
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana (Health Insurance Scheme) with effect
from June 1, 2018.

Working journalists in the State will be covered under life
and health insurance, support for housing, education and vehicles.

As per the fresh notification issued by the Chief Minister’s
Office, in addition to the Rs 2 lakh assistance under the Gopabandhu Sambadika
Swasthya Bima Yojana, an additional financial assistance with approval from
Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET) will be provided to the
journalists in case of critical illness where the expenditure exceeds Rs 2
lakh.

Further, three per cent interest subvention of up to Rs 25
lakh house building loans and also for four wheeler loan up top Rs 4 lakh and
Rs 50,000 for two wheeler loans will be provided by the State Government
annually after repayment of regular installments with interest by the loanee
journalists.

Apart from this, a financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per
month till Class X and Rs 2,500 per month for higher studies will be provided
to the children of the deceased journalist for higher studies.

Further, training programme having a duration staring three
days to two weeks for 25-35 journalists will be provided within the State
institutes like IIMC and the Government will bear the training costs upto Rs 10,000 for five years.

Chief Minister Patnaik said that the State Government is
fully committed towards the welfare of journalists in the State and their
families.