I&B Ministry proposes allocation of Rs. 1 crore for Journalists Welfare Scheme

The Information & Broadcasting Ministry (MIB) has proposed an allocation of Rs. 1 Crore to the Journalists Welfare Scheme in BE 2018-19. Currently, the provision is of Rs. 20 lakh for the scheme.

The Ministry has proposed a five-fold increase in the allocation as the present amount appears to be insufficient. Already, there are 17 (10 death cases and 7 ailment cases) cases pending with the Press Information Bureau (PIB) for a referral to the Committee.

Although the Ministry had sent a proposal to its Budget Wing for allocation of additional fund of Rs. 20 lakh for the scheme by re-appropriation, it has not been able to locate savings for making this additional allocation of funds at this stage.

The Journalists Welfare Scheme has the objective to provide one-time ex-gratia relief on an urgent basis to journalists or to their families in event of extreme hardship.

The financial assistance available under this scheme is up to Rs. 5 lakh to the family under extreme hardship on account of death of journalist and in case of permanent disability rendering the journalist incapable of earning a livelihood.

While the limit is up to Rs. 3 lakh in case of major ailments such as cancer, renal failure, heart ailments, etc, in case of accidents causing serious injuries necessitating hospitalisation, the limit is up to Rs. 2 lakh.

In the year 2016-17, Rs. 15 lakh was earmarked for the scheme. However, Rs. 25.88 lakh was disbursed after getting the additional amount re-appropriated.

Similarly, in 2015-16 Rs. 28 lakh and in 2014-15 Rs. 22.46 lakh was disbursed against the provision of Rs. 15 lakh under this scheme.