News Broadcasting
Journalists welfare fund extended to electronic, non-accredited media
NEW DELHI: Even journalists not accredited to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and electronic mediapersons, are now entitled of financial help under the Journalists Welfare Fund.
This follows amendment of rules, which also included increasing the ex-gratia payment.
According to Information and Broadcasting Ministry secretary Raghu Menon, an ex-gratia of Rs 500,000 would be paid to the family in the event of the demise of a mediaperson on duty, a maximum of Rs 300,000 would be given for treatment, and Rs 200,000 for injury.
The scheme was formulated in 2001-02 and provided for payment of ex-gratia relief of Rs 100,000 to journalists or to their families in case of death, permanent disability or extreme hardship on account of the journalist’s death.
The scheme has been extended with effect from 8 April to cover electronic mediapersons also.
Upto Rs 500,000 would be provided to the family under extreme hardship on account of the journalist’s death or permanent disability, he said.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
