Last Updated on August 6, 2026 12:18 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
Andalib Akhter / New Delhi
The Government of India on Wednesday informed that it has provided financial assistance of ₹19.41 crore to 456 journalists, media personnel and their families under the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS) during the period from 2014-15 to 2025-26, aimed at extending immediate support in cases of extreme hardship.
The scheme provides one-time ex-gratia financial assistance to journalists and media professionals, or their dependents, in situations arising from death, permanent disability, serious illnesses and hospitalisation due to accidents.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the scheme covers both accredited and non-accredited journalists. Journalists accredited by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and those recognised by State and Union Territory governments are eligible for assistance along with other eligible media personnel.
The details were provided by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, in a written reply to a question raised by Shri Damodar Agrawal in Parliament.
The Minister also informed that journalists accredited with the Press Information Bureau are eligible for healthcare benefits under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) across the country. The facility extends to accredited journalists and their family members, allowing treatment at government hospitals and CGHS-empanelled private hospitals at approved CGHS rates.
The PIB currently provides accreditation to journalists working in the National Capital Region (NCR). As of now, 1,786 journalists hold PIB accreditation.
The government said the welfare measures are aimed at providing social security support to journalists and media professionals, particularly during critical situations involving health emergencies, accidents or loss of livelihood due to unforeseen circumstances.