The Scheme for Grant of Pension Benefits to Journalists is an initiative by the Department of Information & Publicity, Government of Puducherry, aimed at providing financial support and recognition to veteran media professionals. The scheme offers a monthly pension to eligible journalists who have dedicated a significant portion of their careers to the media, ensuring they receive financial security and dignity in their later years.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension: A fixed pension of ₹6,000 per month is provided.
- Timely Payments: Pension payments are made on the 10th of every month through the Electronic Clearing System.
- Contingency Benefit: In case of the death of the journalist, the spouse is eligible for 50% of the pension amount.
Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
- Residency: Must be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry by birth or by continuous residence for not less than ten years.
- Age Requirement: Must be 58 years or above at the time of application.
- Service Requirement:
- Must have served for at least 20 years as a Full-time Editor, Reporter, Sub-Editor, Press Photographer/Videographer/Correspondent in a Newspaper, Periodical, News Agency, or Electronic Media.
- For those unable to continue their profession due to chronic ill-health or permanent incapacity, a minimum of 10 years of service is required.
- Exclusion: Applicants currently receiving pension/honoraria from the Central or State Government are not eligible.
Application Process (Offline)
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Print the prescribed format of the application form from the Department of Information & Publicity or obtain a hard copy from one of its branch offices.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields, attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required), and affix copies of all required documents (self-attested, if specified).
- Submit the Form:
- Visit the Office of the Department of Information & Publicity or one of its Branch Offices during office hours (Monday to Friday, 08:45 AM to 01:00 PM & 02:00 PM to 05:45 PM) and submit the completed form to the Member Secretary-cum-Treasurer.
- Acknowledgment:
- Upon submission, a unique number will be assigned to your application, which serves as an acknowledgment and reference for future queries.
Documents Required
For the Applicant:
- Nativity/Nationality/Residence Certificate (Form-II): Issued by an officer of the Revenue Department (Deputy Tahsildar or above).
- Income Certificate (Form-II): From an officer of the Revenue Department (Deputy Tahsildar or above).
- Birth Certificate, Transfer Certificate, or School Leaving Certificate.
- Experience Certificate (Form-II).
- Certificate regarding pensions/honoraria received from other schemes.
- Medical Certificate: For physically handicapped persons or those with incurable diseases.
- Aadhaar Card.
For the Beneficiary (Post-Death):
- Annual Life Certificate: To be produced every year as proof of being alive to continue receiving the benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can media persons suffering from chronic ill-health or permanent incapacitation apply for pension benefits?
A1: Yes, if they have served for at least 10 years in an eligible capacity, irrespective of their current age, provided they meet all other criteria.
Q2: What is the quantum of pension provided under the scheme?
A2: The pension is ₹6,000 per month (subject to periodic revision by the Government).
Q3: When does the pension become payable, and what is the mode of payment?
A3: The pension is payable on the 10th of every month via the Electronic Clearing System.
Q4: Under what circumstances can the Director of Information & Publicity stop the pension payment?
A4: The pension may be stopped if the beneficiary no longer meets the eligibility criteria or in the event of fraudulent practices, as per the guidelines provided by the department.
Q5: What happens if the pensioner or family pensioner passes away before receiving the pension for a particular period?
A5: In such cases, any due benefits up to the date of death are processed according to the guidelines, and in the case of the journalist’s death, the spouse receives 50% of the pension.
Q6: Is there an appeal process available for aggrieved pensioners?
A6: Yes, an appeal process is available for those aggrieved by a decision of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Government of Puducherry (Information and Publicity).
Q7: How is “Electronic Media” defined in this scheme?
A7: “Electronic Media” includes any broadcasting or online news services that disseminate news and information, as defined in the scheme guidelines.
Q8: How are “Newspapers/Periodicals” defined in the context of this scheme?
A8: They refer to print media publications such as newspapers and magazines that are published in Puducherry or by agencies with headquarters outside Puducherry.
Q9: How is the sanctioning process documented and maintained?
A9: The sanctioning process is meticulously documented as per the official guidelines and maintained by the Department of Information & Publicity.
Q10: How is “Family” defined under the scheme?
A10: “Family” includes the immediate relatives of the journalist, and in case of death, the spouse is eligible for 50% of the pension.
Q11: What if an individual does not have an Experience Certificate in Form-II?
A11: Alternative documentation as specified in the guidelines may be accepted, subject to verification by the department.
Q12: What is the role of the Revenue Department in the application process?
A12: The Revenue Department issues the necessary certificates (Nativity, Income, etc.) which are required for the application.