Haryana Chief Minister announces to enhance insurance coverage for Journalists
Now government will bear insurance premiums up to Rs 10 lakh instead of Rs 5 lakh
In yet another significant move to further support journalists’ welfare, Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal announced that the State Government will now bear the insurance premium amount of up to Rs 10 lakh for journalists. At present,, insurance premium of up to Rs 5 lakh is being paid by the government.
The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the biennial convention and seminar on the ‘future and challenges of journalism’ in Rohtak today. The event was organized by the Haryana Union of Working Journalists affiliated with the National Union of Journalists (India). On this occasion, he also announced a grant of Rs 11 lakh to the Haryana Union of Working Journalists.
Highlighting the insurance facilities provided to journalists, he said that the state government has provided insurance facility of Rs 5 lakh, 10 lakh and 20 lakh to journalists through LIC. Till now, the government is paying the insurance premium amount up to Rs 5 lakh. The government would now extend its support by covering the premium amount up to Rs 10 lakh. The government would also contribute 50 percent of the premium for insurance up to Rs 20 lakh. In response to journalists’ demands, he assured that the government would consider appropriate requests sympathetically.
Acknowledging the vital role of journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy, the Chief Minister emphasized its historical significance in creating public awareness among the people, even before independence. He mentioned notable figures like Sir Chhotu Ram, Pandit Nekiram Sharma and Dr. Mangal Sen, who contributed to fostering patriotism through journalism.
Pensions currently being provided to 176 journalists
Sh Manohar Lal also underscored various government initiatives for journalists’ welfare, including pension for 176 journalists in the state and accreditation for 1262 journalists. The government provides monthly pensions to journalists with 20 years of experience, accreditation for five years, and who have reached 60 years of age. In addition, accredited journalists enjoy free travel up to 4,000 kilometers on transport department buses. Apart from this, the pension of journalists has been linked with DA, he added.
Reflecting on the historical importance of journalism, the Chief Minister mentioned the emergency era when newspapers and magazines played a crucial role in creating public awareness. He praised the role of Darpan magazine in fostering patriotism during the emergency.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister and other guests were honored by the Haryana Union of Working Journalists. In addition, journalists who received various awards were also honored during the event.
Energy and Prison Minister Ch. Ranjit Singh, Lok Sabha MP Dr. Arvind Sharma, State BJP Vice President and former Minister Manish Grover, Mayor Manmohan Goyal, Vice Chancellor of MDU, Prof. Rajbir Singh, other Journalists were also present on occasion.
