Centre sets up 12-member committee to review Journalist Welfare Scheme

New Delhi, September 02: The government, on Thursday, set up a 12-member committee to review the Journalist Welfare Scheme, which is headed by Prasar Bharti Board member Ashok Tandon, that also includes journalists.These include examining the need for revising ex-gratia in death and such cases.

 

 

This decision is considered significant in the light of the several changes that have taken place in the media eco space including the loss of a large number of journalists due to COVID-19 and the broad basing of the definition of the “Working Journalists”.

 

 

 

The Journalists Welfare Scheme, which has existed for several years, needs to now be looked at from a futuristic perspective. With the enactment of Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Condition Code 2020, definition of Working Journalists has been broadened to include those working in both traditional and digital media too. Moreover, it was also considered necessary to look at the equality between accredited and non-accredited journalists from the perspective of welfare and availing of benefits under this scheme.

 

 

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken pro-active steps for grant of ex-gratia payment to families of journalists who lost their lives due to COVID-19. Such assistance has been given in more than 100 cases at Rs. 5 lakhs each.