Indian Government Disburses Rs 19.41 Crore to 456 Journalists under Welfare Scheme

The Union Government has provided Rs 19.41 crore in one‑time ex‑gratia assistance to 456 journalists and their families under the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS) for the period spanning FY15 to FY26. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan explained that the scheme supports media workers facing extreme hardship due to death, permanent disability, serious illness or accident‑related hospitalisation.

The scheme covers both Press Information Bureau (PIB)‑accredited journalists – 1,786 in the National Capital Region – as well as those accredited by state and Union Territory governments and non‑accredited journalists. In addition, PIB‑accredited journalists and their families are entitled to healthcare under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), with treatment available at government hospitals and CGHS‑empanelled private facilities. No separate welfare programme for desk reporters or independent journalists was announced, with the government stating the existing scheme already extends benefits to them.