Launched by the Tamil Development, Religious Endowments, and Information Department through the Journalists’ Family Benefit Fund, this scheme provides financial assistance to the families of journalists who have died in harness. Targeting professionals with a minimum of twenty years of service as editors, sub-editors, reporters, photographers, or proofreaders, the fund is designed to offer monetary support from the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund, thereby easing the financial burden on the bereaved family.
Benefits
- 5 Years of Service: ₹50,000
- 10 Years of Service: ₹1,00,000
- 15 Years of Service: ₹1,50,000
- 20 Years of Service: ₹2,00,000
The benefit is disbursed from the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund, ensuring that the family receives crucial financial support during their time of need.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this fund, the deceased journalist must:
- Have served as an editor, sub-editor, reporter, photographer, or proofreader.
- Have worked full-time in a newspaper or daily periodical published in Tamil Nadu.
- Have died while actively working in journalism (the benefit is applicable only if death occurs during service).
- In the case of sudden death due to an accident or fatal disease, the journalist must have completed a minimum of 5 years of service.
Application Process (Offline)
- Download the Application Form:
- Visit the official website and download the prescribed application form.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields and paste two passport-size photographs (with signatures across, if required).
- Attach Documents:
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the completed application form along with the documents to the Director, News Public Relations Department, Headquarters, Chennai-600 009.
- Obtain Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the Director that includes the date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Note: Two application forms, along with all relevant certificates, must be submitted by the applicant.
Documents Required
- Photographs: Two passport-size photographs of the applicant and one nature reporter photograph.
- Death Certificate: Issued by the Municipality/Corporation.
- Heirship Certificate: Issued by the District Magistrate.
- Employment Certificates: Certificates related to the post and place of employment, obtained from the employer.
- Domicile Certificate: Issued by the District Magistrate.
- Nomination Certificate: From the Journalist Association.
- Police/Medical Certificate: Provided by a Government Hospital or a Registered Medical Practitioner in cases of natural causes due to accident or disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Journalists’ Family Benefit Fund?
A1: It is a scheme providing financial assistance to families of journalists who die while in service, based on their years of service.
Q2: Who is eligible for this fund?
A2: Eligible beneficiaries are the families of journalists (editors, sub-editors, reporters, photographers, and proofreaders) who have worked full-time in Tamil Nadu and have completed the requisite years of service.
Q3: What are the service requirements for eligibility?
A3: The benefit is scaled according to service years – with a minimum of 5 years required for sudden death cases due to accident or disease, and up to 20 years for maximum benefits.
Q4: What is the financial assistance amount based on years of service?
*A4:
- 5 Years: ₹50,000
- 10 Years: ₹1,00,000
- 15 Years: ₹1,50,000
- 20 Years: ₹2,00,000*
Q5: What documents are required to apply for the fund?
A5: Required documents include passport-size photographs, a nature reporter photograph, death certificate, heirship certificate, employment certificates, domicile certificate, nomination certificate, and a police/medical certificate (if applicable).
Q6: How should the application be submitted?
A6: The application must be submitted offline to the Director, News Public Relations Department at the designated headquarters in Chennai.
Q7: Is there a specific format for the Death Certificate?
A7: The death certificate must be issued by the relevant Municipality or Corporation as per the official guidelines.
Q8: Who can recommend the application?
A8: Recommendations or endorsements, if required, should be provided by appropriate authorities from the Journalist Association or the employer.
Q9: Can the fund be availed for part-time journalists?
A9: No, the scheme is exclusively for full-time journalists working in Tamil Nadu.
Q10: Can the family of a journalist who died after retirement apply for this fund?
A10: No, the fund is only applicable if the journalist died while in active service.