A govt initiative, Journalist Welfare Scheme aids journalists facing hardships with financial support for medical expenses & contingencies. This blog will help you know more about the journalist welfare scheme 2024.

Journalist Welfare Scheme 2024 | Patrakar Kalyan Yojana

The government manages the Journalist Welfare Scheme, which provides benefits to journalists. Indian citizens who have worked as journalists continuously for a minimum of five years are eligible for assistance. The eligibility is not dependent on their accreditation with the PIB. This assistance is provided in cases of death, permanent disability, serious illness, or accidents. Journalists play a vital role in reporting news and making it accessible to citizens.

What is a Journalist Welfare Scheme?

 The Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS) is a government initiative to help journalists and their families. It provides financial aid, medical support, and other benefits to journalists facing difficulties. The scheme values journalists’ important role in society and aims to ensure their well-being. 

Did you Know?

The families of 35 journalists who passed away, including 16 due to COVID-19 while working for the JWS, received financial help. They were provided up to ₹5 lakhs, as shared by Apurva Chandra, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Highlights of the Journalist Welfare Scheme

Under the Journalist Welfare Scheme managed by the government, various benefits are provided to journalists in India.

The scheme aims to support journalists and their families in times of need. Here are the key provisions and eligibility criteria:

1. Assistance in Case of Journalist’s Death: In the unfortunate event of a journalist’s death, the family may be eligible for financial assistance of up to ₹5,00,000 in situations of extreme hardship.
2. Assistance for Permanent Disability: Journalists who experience permanent disability, rendering them incapable of earning a livelihood, may be eligible for assistance. They can receive up to ₹5,00,000 to support them in their challenging circumstances.
3. Treatment for Major Ailments: Journalists facing major ailments like cancer, renal failure, heart ailments requiring bypass or open heart surgery, angioplasty, brain hemorrhage, or paralytic attack can avail themselves of financial assistance. Up to ₹3,00,000 may be provided to cover the cost of treatment, subject to it not being covered by CGHS, other insurance schemes, or departmental health programs.
4. Age Limit for Non-Accredited Journalists: For non-accredited journalists, financial assistance will not be available if they are above the age of 65 years. However, the committee responsible for the scheme has the authority to relax this age parameter based on the circumstances and merits of each case.
5. Assistance for Accidents and Serious Injuries: In cases of accidents causing serious injuries requiring hospitalization, journalists may be eligible for assistance of up to ₹2,00,000. This support is subject to the medical expenditure not being covered by CGHS, other insurance schemes, or departmental health programs.
6. Limitations for Non-Accredited Journalists: For non-accredited journalists, the quantum of assistance available for cases of permanent disability, major ailments, and accidents will be limited. Journalists who have worked continuously for a minimum of five years may receive ₹1,00,000 for each of these cases. Additionally, they will be eligible for an additional ₹1,00,000 for every five additional years of continuous work. However, the assistance provided in each case will be subject to the maximum ceiling specified.

Objectives of the Journalist Welfare Scheme

To provide financial stability and support to journalists facing economic hardships.

1. To ensure medical coverage and support for journalists and their families.
2. To enhance the skills and knowledge of journalists through training programs and workshops.
3. To provide legal support to journalists facing legal issues due to their work.
4. To recognise the contribution of journalists to society and ensure their welfare and well-being.

Documents Required for Journalist Welfare Scheme

To apply for financial assistance under the Journalist Welfare Scheme, the following documents need to be provided:

1. Proof of Age / Date of Birth (DOB)
2. Proof of Residence
3. Bank Details (Please refer to the source for specific requirements)
4. Documents related to the Reason and Purpose of Financial Assistance:

• In case of a journalist’s death resulting in extreme hardship to the family, documents pertaining to the date, nature, and cause of death should be provided.
• For permanent disability rendering the journalist incapable of earning a livelihood, relevant documents should be submitted.
• In the case of major ailments, documents should include details of the nature of the ailment, place (name of hospital), nature of treatment (drugs/surgery/radiotherapy, etc.), and the period for which treatment is sought.
• In the event of accidents causing serious injuries necessitating hospitalization, documents should include details such as the date and place of the accident, nature of injuries, and the period of treatment.
• Bills and receipts related to the amount of financial assistance sought should be submitted.
• Details of any financial assistance received or applied for from other sources, such as the PM Relief Fund, CM Relief Fund, Journalist Associations/Organizations, Insurance Claims, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, or any other relevant sources, should be provided.

For cases involving the death or disability of a journalist, the following additional information is required:

• Family Details, including the full name of family members, gender, proof of age/DOB, relationship with the deceased journalist, and employment details.
• It is also necessary to include a photocopy of the cheque along with verification obtained from the bank.
• These documents will enable the authorities to assess the eligibility and process the application for financial assistance under the Journalist Welfare Scheme.

Eligibility for Journalist Welfare Scheme

1. The applicant must be a citizen of the country.
2. The applicant must be a working journalist, either employed or freelance.
3. The applicant must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in journalism, as specified by the government.
4. Journalists working in remote or conflict areas may be given preference.
5. The annual income of the applicant must be below a certain threshold as specified by the government.

Journalist Welfare Scheme Apply Online @pib.gov.in

To apply for the Journalist Welfare Scheme, eligible journalists need to follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) at pib.gov.in.
2. Look for the Journalist Welfare Scheme section.
3. Register by providing the necessary details such as name, email, contact number, etc.
4. Fill in the application form by providing personal details, work experience, and other relevant information.
5. Upload the required documents as mentioned in the application form.
6. Submit the application form.
7. You will receive a confirmation email or message on the successful submission of the application.

Journalist Welfare Scheme State Wise List

Different states may have additional or varied schemes for the welfare of journalists. Below is a list of states with a brief overview:

1. Delhi: Delhi government’s scheme includes a one-time ex-gratia, pension benefits, and medical facilities for journalists.
2. Uttar Pradesh: Offers financial assistance, health coverage, and housing schemes.
3. Telangana: Provides health cards, insurance coverage, and financial assistance.
4. Maharashtra: Offers health insurance, housing schemes, and legal support.
5. West Bengal: Provides health insurance, financial assistance for higher education of children of journalists, and pension benefits.

Here is a detailed list:

S.No	Name
1	Andhra Pradesh (AP)
2	Arunachal Pradesh
3	Assam
4	Bihar
5	Chhattisgarh
6	Goa
7	Gujarat
8	Haryana
9	Himachal Pradesh (HP)
10	Jharkhand
11	Karnataka
12	Kerala
13	Madhya Pradesh (MP)
14	Maharashtra
15	Manipur
16	Meghalaya
17	Mizoram
18	Nagaland
19	Odisha
20	Punjab
21	Rajasthan
22	Sikkim
23	Tamil Nadu
24	Telangana
25	Tripura
26	Uttar Pradesh (UP)
27	Uttarakhand
28	West Bengal (WB)
29	Andaman and Nicobar
30	Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
31	Delhi
32	Jammu and Kashmir
33	Lakshadweep
34	Puducherry

Patrakar Kalyan Yojana

Patrakar Kalyan Yojana is a specific welfare scheme launched by some state governments in India for the welfare of journalists.

1. Patrakar Kalyan Yojana is a state-level welfare scheme for journalists in India.
2. It provides financial assistance, health benefits, and insurance coverage.
3. The scheme offers pension support for veteran journalists.
4. Educational support is given to the children of journalists.
5. The objective is to uplift journalists and ensure they can work without economic hardships.
6. The scheme recognises the importance of journalism in society and the role journalists play in upholding democratic values.

FAQs

What is Journalist Welfare Scheme?

Journalist Welfare Scheme is a government initiative providing financial assistance. There will be a great support to journalists facing hardships

How much maximum amount pay by the government in Journalist Welfare Scheme?

The maximum amount varies by country/region, but it can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

How to Journalist Welfare Scheme apply online?

To apply for the Journalist Welfare Scheme online, one needs to visit the relevant government website. Then, fill out an application form and submit the required documents.

What is the website where I can apply for Journalist Welfare Scheme?

The specific website to apply for the Journalist Welfare Scheme is accreditation.pib.gov.in/jws/default.aspx.

Who is the head of Journalist Welfare Scheme?

The head of the Journalist Welfare Scheme is typically a government official or representative from a journalism association.

What is the benefit of an accreditation card for journalists?

An accreditation card for journalists provides them with access to events, sources, and sometimes certain privileges or protections in reporting.

What is the journalist pension scheme in Tamilnadu?

The journalist pension scheme in Tamilnadu is a government program providing financial support to retired journalists in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

What are the benefits of a PIB Card?

It operates as a bridge connecting the Government and the media, while also offering a channel for Government feedback based on public reception as portrayed in the media. PIB distributes information through various communication methods.

Which ministry is responsible for the journalist welfare scheme?

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is responsible for the journalist welfare scheme.

What is the toll free number of the Journalist Welfare Scheme?

The toll free number of the Journalist Welfare Scheme is 23389338.

Are journalists who are disabled during service covered under this scheme?

Yes, journalists who become disabled during their service are typically covered under this scheme, ensuring their welfare and support.