I&B Ministry
Centre says 456 journalists received Rs 19.41 crore under welfare scheme since FY15
PIB says 1,786 journalists are accredited as government highlights health and ex gratia support
New Delhi: The government has said it has disbursed Rs 19.41 crore in financial assistance to 456 journalists and media personnel, or their families, under the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS) since FY15.
Replying to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting minister of state for information and broadcasting and parliamentary affairs L. Murugan said the Journalist Welfare Scheme provides one-time ex gratia financial relief in cases of extreme hardship arising from death, permanent disability, serious illness or accident-related hospitalisation.
The minister said the scheme covers both accredited and non-accredited journalists. Eligibility extends to journalists accredited by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and state or Union Territory governments, as well as independent and non-accredited media professionals.
According to the government, a total of Rs 19.41 crore has been released to 456 journalists and media personnel, or their families, under the scheme between FY15 and FY26.
Besides financial assistance, journalists accredited with the Press Information Bureau are entitled to healthcare benefits under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). The facility covers accredited journalists and their family members and allows treatment at government hospitals as well as CGHS-empanelled private hospitals at CGHS rates.
The Ministry also clarified that the Press Information Bureau issues accreditation only for journalists based in the National Capital Region. As of August 5, the Bureau has 1,786 accredited journalists.
Responding to questions on specific welfare measures for desk reporters and independent journalists, the government did not announce any new schemes. However, it reiterated that the existing Journalist Welfare Scheme already extends benefits to non-accredited journalists alongside those accredited by the PIB and state governments.
The reply did not provide the state-wise breakup of accredited journalists sought in the question, noting only the total number of journalists currently accredited by the Press Information Bureau.
