Shillong, Aug 27: The state government is proposing to implement the Meghalaya Journalist Welfare Scheme 2024.
This was informed by the Minister incharge Information and Public Relations, Ampareen Lyngdoh, while replying to a query raised by BJP legislator from South Shillong, Sanbor Shullai, who demanded the need to enhance the journalist welfare fund by 100% in the Assembly on Tuesday.
Lyngdoh admitted that the Journalist Welfare Scheme 2009 was a little outdated when compared to other states, which have progressed more in regards to such kinds of interventions for journalists.
“Hence, we are now in the process of proposing the Meghalaya Journalist Scheme 2024, which is an advance stage,” she said.
Under the new scheme, the minister informed that the government is proposing to increase the journalist fund to Rs 35 lakh while considering that Rs 5 lakh (corpus fund) is too meagre.
“It is a 500% increase (in the case of) death of journalists while (the fund for medical treatment will be increased) from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh,” she said.
“We also encourage journalists to register with the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS). We are also proposing some cashless treatment for journalists but all of these are still in a proposal stage,” she added.
Referring to neighbouring state like Assam, which is providing pension for retired journalists, Lyngdoh said that the matter is under preparation.
Further, the minister said that it is a fact that some journalists are facing difficulties or irregular payment.
“We share this concern but however journalists are employed by independent entities,” she said.
According to her, steps are being taken to ensure that journalists earning less than Rs 15000 are covered under Provident Fund scheme.
She further announced the government’s decision to provide housing facility for journalists.
Meanwhile, the minister also informed that the government is planning to come up with few laws to curb and hold accountable circulation of false information.
