The “Bihar State Journalist Insurance Scheme, 2014” was launched by the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Bihar. This scheme is designed to provide financial protection for media representatives by offering personal accident and group mediclaim insurance coverage. Under this scheme, working journalists receive benefits, and their spouse along with two dependent children are also covered.
Insurance Period
- Validity:
The insurance is valid for one year with provisions for annual renewal.
Benefits
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Personal Accident Coverage:
Insurance coverage up to ₹5,00,000/-. -
Medical Expense Coverage:
Medical expense coverage up to ₹5,00,000/- for the insured and their dependents. -
Premium Contribution:
Media representatives contribute 20% of the premium, while the remaining 80% is subsidized by the government.
Eligibility
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Profession:
The applicant must be a journalist or media representative. Independent journalists must hold a valid press accreditation card. -
Work Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of work experience in journalism is required. -
Age:
The media representative must be between 21-70 years of age. -
Residency:
The applicant should be residing and working in Bihar. -
Education:
The media representative should have a matriculation or equivalent qualification. -
Coverage Requirement:
Must cover at least 50% of news or comments in media (including newspapers, magazines, news agencies, electronic media, and independent journalism). -
Family Coverage:
The spouse and two dependent children of the media representative are included. For dependents:- The son is covered up to 23 years of age (or up to 25 if studying in a bonafide institution).
- The daughter is covered until marriage.
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Additional Requirement for Private Channel Affiliates:
Media representatives affiliated with a private news channel must ensure that the channel’s telecast reaches at least 20 districts in Bihar.
Exclusions
- Maternity:
Maternity-related cases are not covered under this mediclaim policy.
Application Process
Offline
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Download the Form:
Visit the official website and download the application form. -
Fill and Attach:
Complete the form by filling in all mandatory fields and attach self-attested copies of the required documents. -
Submission:
Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the necessary documents to the District Public Relation Officer. -
Obtain Receipt:
Request an acknowledgment or receipt from the officer, ensuring it includes the submission date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Claim Process:
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Reporting:
Claims for accidents or medical treatments must be reported to both the insurance company and the Information and Public Relations Department within seven days. -
Documentation:
Submit the required documents, including medical reports and accident details.
Documents Required
- Five passport-size photographs.
- Appointment/Affiliation letter issued by the editor/bureau chief (for salaried, full-time/part-time media representatives).
- Birth Certificate (countersigned by the editor/resident editor/employer/bureau chief).
- Photocopy of the institution’s registration number.
- Other mediclaim policy documents (if any).
- Proof of media organization registration.
- Work experience certificate issued by the editor/resident editor/employer/bureau chief.
- Press accreditation card issued by the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Bihar.
- Proof of circulation for the media organization.
- Crossed/cancelled cheque (providing ECS facility details such as MICR and IFSC code).
- Premium contribution receipt.
- Affidavit regarding criminal/civil matters.
- Declaration of nominee.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What benefits are provided under the scheme?
The scheme provides personal accident insurance and mediclaim coverage up to ₹5,00,000/- for both the media representative and their dependents. -
What is the contribution ratio for the premium?
Media representatives contribute 20% of the premium, with the government covering the remaining 80%. -
How long is the insurance valid?
The insurance is valid for one year with an option for annual renewal. -
What is the age limit for dependent children?
Sons are covered up to 23 years (or 25 if studying), and daughters are covered until marriage. -
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Specific terms regarding pre-existing conditions are detailed in the scheme guidelines. -
What happens if a media representative leaves their organization?
Please refer to the detailed guidelines provided by the scheme for information on changes in eligibility. -
Can media representatives apply if they have other insurance?
Applicants should check the scheme guidelines regarding overlapping coverage with other insurance policies. -
How is the insurance premium decided?
The premium is determined as per the scheme rules, with 20% contributed by the media representative and 80% subsidized by the government. -
What is the role of the Journalist Insurance Scheme Cell?
The cell oversees the implementation, processing, and management of the scheme. -
How is the insurance amount transferred?
The insurance amount is settled as per the claim process outlined by the insurance company and the scheme guidelines. -
How are premium payments made?
Premium payments are managed through the established mechanisms outlined in the scheme guidelines. -
What is the process for renewing the insurance?
Renewal is conducted on an annual basis, following the procedures specified by the scheme. -
Are there any restrictions on the hospitals for treatment?
The scheme guidelines detail any specific restrictions regarding hospital networks for treatment. -
How can I check the status of my application?
Status inquiries can be made through the designated office or as instructed in the scheme guidelines.