#Jharkhand: Journalists offered money under government scheme to write about state welfare programmes

If you’re a journalist running out of money, Jharkhand is the place to be. According to a recent advertisement published by the Public Information Department, the BJP-led state government is offering journalists money to write about the government’s welfare schemes in Jharkhand. Considering that the polls are around the corner, the move comes as little surprise.   

Based on the information made available in the advertisement, a total of 30 journalists from print and electronic media will be selected to write four articles each that will earn them a stipend of ₹15,000 each. From the total of 120 articles, 25 of the best ones will be selected and turned into a booklet. Those whose articles feature in the booklet will receive an additional amount of ₹5,000. 

On being questioned about the scheme, Jharkhand’s BJP spokesperson told The Print that government had not taken this initiative on its own accord and that several journalists had been demanding for such a scheme. 

The Opposition, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, criticised the move with former Jharkhand CM, Hemant Soren stating the Raghubar Das government had “breached all norms of ethics & morality.”

Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, the Congress spokesperson, was also quoted in The Print raising concerns about the “questionable” timing of the scheme.