The “Grant of Financial Assistance to the Press Reporters of Puducherry” scheme, administered by the Department of Information & Publicity, Union Territory of Puducherry, is designed to support eligible press reporters. Under this initiative, press reporters who have served continuously in a Newspaper or Magazine—duly registered with the Registrar of Newspapers, Government of India, New Delhi—for at least 10 years are provided financial assistance of ₹25,000/-. This grant is aimed at acknowledging their long-term service and contribution to the field of journalism.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- A grant of ₹25,000 is provided.
- Mode of Disbursal:
- The cheque is transmitted by the Director, Department of Information & Publicity, Puducherry after obtaining a necessary receipt from the applicant in the prescribed format.
- Time Limit:
- The benefit is disbursed within three weeks from the date of application.
Eligibility
- Citizenship:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Residency:
- The applicant should be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry, either by birth or through continuous residence for at least five years.
- Professional Criteria:
- The applicant must be a press reporter.
- They must have served in a Newspaper or Magazine.
- The Newspaper/Magazine must be duly registered with the Registrar of Newspapers, Government of India, New Delhi, and must have been registered continuously for not less than 10 years.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Print the prescribed format of the application form from the Official Website of the Department of Information & Publicity, Puducherry, or collect a hard copy from one of its branch offices.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all the mandatory fields.
- Paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required).
- Attach copies of all mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
- Submission:
- Visit the Office of the Department of Information & Publicity or one of its Branch Offices during the office hours (Monday to Friday, 08:45 am to 01:00 pm & 02:00 pm to 05:45 pm).
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the required documents to the Member Secretary-cum-Treasurer.
- Acknowledgment:
- Upon receipt, a unique application number is assigned, which serves as an acknowledgment for all further references.
Documents Required
- Nativity and Nationality Certificate (Form-II):
- Issued by an officer of the Revenue Department not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar.
- Service Certificate (Form-III):
- Issued by the competent authority of the Newspaper/Magazine concerned.
- Verification Certificate (Form-IV):
- Issued by the Director of Information & Publicity, Puducherry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much financial assistance is provided?
A grant of ₹25,000 is provided to eligible press reporters. - Who is responsible for the selection process under this scheme?
The selection process is managed by the Department of Information & Publicity, Puducherry. - How is the financial assistance disbursed?
The Director transmits the cheque after obtaining the necessary receipt from the applicant in the prescribed format. - What is the time limit for granting financial assistance?
The financial assistance is disbursed within three weeks from the date of application. - Can a person who has not served continuously for 10 years in a registered Newspaper/Magazine apply?
No, continuous service of at least 10 years is a mandatory requirement. - What role does the Regional Executive Officer play in the selection committee?
Their role is outlined in the scheme guidelines and involves assisting in the verification and selection process. - Can an applicant submit the application directly to the Director of Information and Publicity?
Applications must be submitted to the Member Secretary-cum-Treasurer at the designated office. - Can financial assistance be applied for retrospective periods of service?
The scheme is designed to reward continuous service; retrospective claims outside the prescribed criteria are not entertained. - Can the financial assistance cheque be directly collected by the applicant from the Member Secretary-cum-Treasurer?
The cheque is transmitted by the Director after due verification and receipt of the necessary documents. - What is the role of the Deputy Tahsildar in the application process?
The Deputy Tahsildar is involved in issuing the Nativity and Nationality Certificate (Form-II). - How is the service period verified?
Verification is done through the Service Certificate (Form-III) issued by the competent authority of the Newspaper/Magazine. - Can a press reporter serving in a magazine apply for financial assistance?
Yes, both Newspaper and Magazine press reporters are eligible, provided the publication meets the registration criteria.