The Journalist’s Medical Welfare Scheme was introduced by the Government of Assam to provide financial assistance for medical treatment to Accredited and Recognized Journalists in the state. This scheme also extends coverage to dependent family members of journalists suffering from serious medical conditions.
The interest earned from the corpus fund of the scheme is what provides the financial assistance in order to maintain the sustainability of the scheme over the long-term. The Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), Assam implements the scheme under Assam press Correspondents (Accredited/Recognitions) Rules, 1989.
Benefits
- One-time financial assistance is provided for medical treatment.
- Covers both Accredited and Recognized Journalists in Assam.
- Extends coverage to dependent family members of the journalist.
- Financial assistance is decided by a committee, based on the severity of the ailment and medical records.
Financial Assistance Slabs
- Up to ₹50,000 for non-life-threatening ailments.
- Up to ₹1,00,000 for life-threatening ailments.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- The applicant must be a resident of Assam.
- The applicant must be a journalist accredited/recognized by the DIPR, Assam and meet all required norms.
Important Note
- Financial assistance is not a right—it is granted at the discretion of the committee based on eligibility and availability of funds.
- The committee has the right to reject or accept applications without providing a reason.
Application Process
Offline Mode
- Application Form for Journalists: Download Here
- Application Form for Dependent Members: Download Here
Steps to Apply
- Submit Application Form : The journalist or dependent family member must submit a filled application form to the Convener of the Committee (Director, DIPR).
- Proposal & Recommendations
- The DIPR will initiate proposals, verify documents, and recommend cases to the Committee.
- In urgent/emergency cases, the Chairperson may take immediate action and later report to the Committee for approval.
- Committee Review :The Committee will evaluate applications and may ask for additional financial details before sanctioning aid.
- Approval & Payment Processing: Approved financial assistance is disbursed immediately upon sanction.
Required Documents
- Self-attested/attested copy of Identity Card (DIPR-certified)
- Identity Card of Present Organization
- Bank Details (Passbook front page & Cancelled Cheque)
- Medical Documents (Admission Certificate, Discharge Certificate, Prescriptions, Bills/Vouchers, Clinical Reports, etc.)
- PAN Card/Aadhaar Card Copy
- Other financial proof/documents as required by the Committee
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is the benefit of this scheme?
The scheme provides financial aid for medical expenses of accredited journalists and their dependent family members in Assam.
2.Who qualifies as an Accredited Journalist?
A journalist who is formally recognized/accredited by DIPR, Assam as per the Assam Press Correspondents (Accredited/ Recognitions) Rules, 1989.
3.How is the financial assistance extended?
- Funds are provided from the interest accrued on the corpus fund of the scheme.
- Disbursement depends on medical records and committee approval.
4.How does the Committee decide on financial assistance?
The Committee evaluates applications based on:
- Nature & severity of the disease
- Medical documentation & estimated treatment costs
- Financial situation of the applicant
5.Who can apply for this scheme?
- Accredited/recognized journalists in Assam.
- Dependent family members of accredited journalists.
6.How will payments be processed?
Payments are directly transferred to the applicant’s bank account after approval by the Committee.
7.Is this scheme limited to journalists from Assam?
Yes, only journalists residing in Assam are eligible for this scheme.
8.Can I apply under this scheme online?
No, only offline applications are accepted.
9.How are urgent/emergency cases handled?
The Chairperson can approve immediate aid in urgent cases, which is later reviewed by the Committee.