The Odisha Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has announced a series of welfare measures for working journalists in the state.
This announcement was made in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday, in response to a question posed by Dasapalla MLA Ramesh Chandra Behera.
Highlighting the state’s commitment towards the well-being of journalists, CM Majhi detailed seven key benefits, including financial support for families of journalists who have passed away. The government has pledged ₹4 lakh to the immediate family of a deceased working journalist, in accordance with eligibility criteria. Additional provisions include monthly educational assistance of ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 for school and higher education of journalists’ children, respectively.
Furthermore, journalists who suffer permanent disability will receive ₹2 lakh, while journalists from across platforms—print, electronic, and digital—will have access to a health insurance scheme initiated in 2016. The scheme also provides specified medical aid as per government norms.
Accommodation provisions have also been recommended, granting journalists access to Odisha Bhavan in Delhi, Utkal Bhavan in Kolkata, and Odisha Bhavan in Mumbai. The government has proposed concession passes for journalists for rail travel, while arrangements have been made for state-level journalists to visit Puri during the Rath Yatra to collect related reports.
For journalists who died due to COVID-19 infection while on duty, the government has extended an ex-gratia payment of ₹15 lakh to their families. Additionally, passes to the state Secretariat have been recommended for working journalists through the Home Department.
The government stated that proposals from press associations regarding the welfare of journalists have been considered, and necessary steps would be implemented based on their needs. CM Majhi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to safeguarding journalists and recognizing their invaluable role in society.
