Over ₹19 Crore disbursed to support journalists under central welfare scheme since 2015

In a significant push toward supporting media professionals and their families, the Union Government has disbursed ₹19.41 crore to 456 journalists under the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS) since the financial year 2014–15. The details were formally shared during a Lok Sabha session by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan.

The financial assistance initiative provides relief to eligible journalists and their dependents facing extreme hardship, severe illnesses, permanent disability, or unexpected demise. Over the years, the scheme has served as a crucial safety net for media personnel, helping cushion the financial burden during medical emergencies and critical life events.

Speaking in Parliament, Dr. Murugan emphasized the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the well-being of media practitioners who play an indispensable role in democratic governance. The initiative covers both accredited and non-accredited journalists, ensuring broad accessibility across the media industry.