The Narendra Modi government has granted a total of Rs 12.73 crore as financial aid to 274 journalists from the financial year 2020-2021 till November this year, according to a reply in the Lok Sabha.

Responding to an unstarred question by NCP Raigad MP Sunil Dattatray Tatkare, Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur cited details of the assistance under the Journalist Welfare Scheme.

The minister said that 56 journalists had been granted Rs 2.6 crore in the financial year 2021, 134 given Rs 6.47 crore in 2021-22, 45 granted Rs 1.99 crore in 2022-23, and 39 journalists given Rs 1.65 crore in aid in the current financial year until November this year.

“The main objective of Journalist Welfare Scheme is to provide one time ex-gratia relief to journalists and their families on account of extreme hardship on account of death, permanent disability, treatment for major ailments and accidents causing serious injuries necessitating hospitalisation. Journalists accredited by the Press Information Bureau and States/UTs as well as non-accredited journalists are covered under this scheme,” the minister said.

Detailing the process to grant this assistance, Thakur said a committee lists suggestions to provide this aid to journalists and their families. “Under the Journalist Welfare Scheme, there is a committee chaired by secretary (I&B) and with principal director general, Press Information Bureau, joint secretary in the ministry and six representatives from private media organisations as members.”