The government today informed that it implements the Journalist Welfare Scheme, JWS to provide one-time ex-gratia relief on urgent basis to journalists and media personnel or to their families in the event of extreme hardship arising out of death, permanent disability, serious ailments and accident-related hospitalization. In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L Murugan said journalists accredited by Press Information Bureau and State/UT Governments as well as non-accredited journalists are covered under this scheme.
Under the JWS scheme, Government has provided financial assistance of 19 crore 41 lakh rupees to 456 media personnel or their families from 2014-15 to 2025-26. Journalists accredited with the Press Information Bureau are also covered under the Central Government Health Scheme facilities across the country for themselves and their family members. This includes their treatment at Government or CGHS empaneled private hospitals at CGHS rates. Press Information Bureau issues accreditation for Journalists in the National Capital Region. The number of Journalists accredited with Press Information Bureau as on date is one thousand 786.
