The Scheme for Pension Benefits to the Journalists/Photojournalists is an initiative by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of Tripura. It is designed to provide a monthly pension to accredited journalists and photojournalists who have retired after serving in Tripura. This scheme acknowledges the contributions of media professionals by ensuring financial security during their retirement years.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension: A fixed pension of ₹10,000 per month.
- Financial Security: Provides ongoing financial support to retired media professionals, helping them meet their living expenses during retirement.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: The beneficiary must be 60 years or older to receive the pension.
- Service Requirement: The applicant must have completed 10 years of service as an accredited journalist/photojournalist in Tripura.
- Retirement Status: The applicant should have retired from their job in the media sector in Tripura.
- Other Pension Exclusion: The applicant must not be receiving a pension from any other source, except under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
- Minimum Age for Application: Although the applicant should be 18 years or older to apply, the pension benefit is granted only when the applicant reaches 60 years.
Application Process (Offline)
- Print the Application Form: Obtain the prescribed application form from the Information and Cultural Affairs Department.
- Complete the Form: Fill in all mandatory fields, attach two passport-size photographs (with signatures across, if required), and include self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
- Submission: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Director of Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Tripura.
- Receipt of Application: Upon submission, entries will be made in the application receipt register, and a unique identification number will be assigned to the applicant. This number will serve as an acknowledgment and for all future references.
Documents Required
- Two Passport-size Photographs
- Birth Certificate
- Press Accreditation Card (issued by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Tripura)
- Bank Passbook
- Admit Card (for School Final Examination, Madhyamik Examination, Higher Secondary Examination, or an equivalent public examination)
- Passport
- Original Affidavit (sworn before a Notary Public, stating the applicant’s date of birth)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the age requirement for journalists/photojournalists to be eligible for pension benefits?
A1: Applicants must be 60 years or older to receive the pension benefit.
Q2: What is the minimum work experience required under the scheme?
A2: Retired journalists/photojournalists must have completed at least 10 years of service in Tripura.
Q3: Can retired journalists/photojournalists from outside Tripura apply for the scheme?
A3: No, only those who have served in Tripura are eligible for the scheme.
Q4: Are there any exceptions to the minimum work experience requirement?
A4: The scheme strictly requires a minimum of 10 years of service without exceptions.
Q5: Is any additional financial assistance provided besides the monthly pension?
A5: No, the primary benefit is the monthly pension of ₹10,000.
Q6: Can journalists/photojournalists who receive pensions from other sources apply?
A6: Applicants must not receive a pension from any other source, except through the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
Q7: Are there specific guidelines regarding the submission of the birth certificate?
A7: Yes, the birth certificate must be submitted as part of the mandatory documentation, and it should be an official copy.
Q8: Is there a deadline for submitting applications under the scheme?
A8: The guidelines do not specify a strict deadline; however, timely submission is advised to ensure prompt processing.
Q9: What happens after the applicant submits the application?
A9: The application is registered, and a unique identification number is assigned. This number is used for all further correspondence and tracking of the application.
Q10: Where should the application form be submitted?
A10: The completed application form must be submitted to the Director of Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Tripura.
Q11: Can I track the status of my application online using the unique identification number?
A11: The process is currently offline; tracking is done using the unique identification number provided at the time of application receipt.
Q12: How long does it take for the unique identification number to be assigned?
A12: The unique identification number is typically assigned immediately upon receipt of the application at the department office.
Q13: Are there any specific format requirements for the documents, such as self-attestation or notarization?
A13: Yes, all copies of mandatory documents must be self-attested, and the original affidavit must be notarized.