Parliament Question: Welfare of Journalists and Media Persons

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2939 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2026) WELFARE OF JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA PERSONS 2939. SHRI DAMODAR AGRAWAL: Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state: a) the details of schemes being run by the Government for the welfare of journalists and media persons; b) the details of the number of journalists and media persons benefiting from these schemes being run by the Government, scheme-wise; c) the facilities provided by the Government for the social and economic security of journalists and media persons; d) whether any steps are being taken by the Government for the welfare of desk-reporters and independent journalists; e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and f) the details of the accredited journalists in the country at present, State-wise? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN) (a) to (f): The Government implements the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS) to provide one-time ex- gratia relief on urgent basis to journalists/media personnel or to their families in the event of extreme hardship arising out of death, permanent disability, serious ailments and accident- related hospitalization. Journalists accredited by Press Information Bureau and State/UT Governments as well as non-accredited journalists are covered under this scheme. Under the JWS scheme, Government has provided financial assistance of Rupees 19.41 Crore to 456 Journalists/Media Personnel or their families from 2014-15 to 2025-26. Journalists accredited with the Press Information Bureau (PIB) are also covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) facilities across the country for themselves and their family members. This includes their treatment at Government/CGHS empaneled private hospitals at CGHS rates. Press Information Bureau issues accreditation for Journalists in the National Capital Region. The number of Journalists accredited with Press Information Bureau as on date is 1786. *****