Zahid Wani
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‎Srinagar, Sep 28 (KNS): Journalists working in Jammu and Kashmir, including those without accreditation, can seek financial assistance under the Union government’s Journalists Welfare Scheme, while accredited media persons are eligible for accommodation and other facilities provided by the UT administration, the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday.
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‎The details were provided by the Minister-in-Charge, Information Department, in response to a question by MLA Tanvir Sadiq on measures available for the welfare of journalists and media personnel in J&K.
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‎As per the government’s response, the Journalists Welfare Scheme provides one-time financial assistance to journalists and their families in cases including death, permanent disability, major ailments and extreme hardship. The scheme is governed by guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on April 1, 2023.
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‎The assistance can go up to Rs 5 lakh in cases of death and permanent disability, while up to Rs 3 lakh can be provided for treatment of major ailments that are not covered by the Central Government Health Scheme or an insurance policy.
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‎The government said the scheme covers accredited as well as non-accredited journalists, including freelancers. Journalists from J&K can submit applications through the Press Information Bureau or the UT Information Department, which can forward eligible cases with recommendations.
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‎On accommodation, the government said accredited journalists can seek paid government accommodation through the Estates Department, subject to availability and demand.
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‎Accredited journalists are also eligible for short-term accommodation at subsidised rates in government guest houses through the J&K Hospitality & Protocol Department, both within J&K and outside the UT.
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‎The government said journalist accreditation in J&K is undertaken by the Directorate of Information & Public Relations under the accreditation guidelines notified through Government Order No.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel15-JK (ID) of 2022 dated November 17, 2022.
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‎The response also listed health and pension-related schemes available to media personnel. It said journalists and their families are covered under Ayushman Bharat/SEHAT, which provides health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually to all residents of J&K.
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‎Journalists who do not receive health insurance or a post-retirement pension through their employers can also avail themselves of applicable government schemes, it said.
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‎The government also referred to the Atal Pension Yojana, under which eligible citizens between 18 and 40 years of age with a bank or post office savings account can subscribe for a fixed monthly pension after attaining 60 years, depending on their contributions.
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‎On the demand for Press Clubs in Jammu and Srinagar with facilities for meetings, conferences, research and other professional activities, the government said such clubs are autonomous bodies formed by members of the media fraternity and registered as societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
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‎Their administration rests with their respective executive bodies, with elections conducted periodically, it said.
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‎The government said the Jammu Press Club is functioning from premises leased from the Jammu Development Authority.
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‎Regarding the Srinagar Press Club, the government said the Information and Public Relations Department had extended financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh through Government Orders issued on December 14 and December 19, 2018.
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‎The funds were placed at the disposal of the Srinagar Press Club for its functioning, while the Estates Department had also provided space for its operations.
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‎The government said the office bearers of the Srinagar Press Club could approach the administration through the Department of Information and Public Relations for resolution of any issues.(KNS)