The “One Time Grant for Media Personality” is a financial assistance scheme launched by the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Assam, aimed at supporting and honoring journalists for their exceptional work. Each year, the scheme awards a one-time grant of ₹50,000/- to 20 accredited or recognized journalists. The initiative seeks to uphold the dignity of media persons, inspire outstanding performance in journalism, and provide financial support in times of need.
Benefits
- Grant Amount:
- A one-time grant of ₹50,000/- is provided to each of the 20 selected journalists annually.
- Objective:
- To support media persons in enhancing their performance and professional growth.
- To recognize and encourage excellence in journalism.
Eligibility
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Residency:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Assam.
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Accreditation:
- The applicant must be an accredited or recognized journalist in Assam.
- This includes mainstream media journalists with accredited cards from DIPR, Assam, as well as freelancers from print, electronic, and news agencies.
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Age:
- The minimum age for eligibility is 40 years; there is no upper age limit.
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Experience:
- Applicants must have at least 15 years of experience in journalism.
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Conduct:
- Applicants should not have any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions (such as reprimands by the Press Council of India) for misconduct or ethics violations.
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Income:
- The applicant’s annual income should be less than ₹5,00,000/-.
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Additional Note:
- Canvassing for the grant is strictly prohibited and will lead to disqualification.
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Exclusions:
- Permanent, temporary, or contractual employees of any Government, Semi-Government, Autonomous Body, Board, Corporation, or Council are not eligible.
- Applicants affiliated with any political party are disqualified.
- Journalists who already receive a journalist pension are not eligible.
- An applicant selected once cannot reapply in subsequent years.
Application Process
Offline Process
- Form Completion:
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the prescribed application form.
- Attach required self-attested documents.
- Submission:
- Prepare three sets of the completed application form (Schedule-I).
- Super-scribe the envelope with “Application for One Time Grant for Media Personality”.
- Submit the envelope to the Office of the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Last Gate, Dispur, Guwahati-781006 by the fixed deadline published through advertisement.
Note:
- Incomplete applications or those missing any required documents will be rejected.
- Canvassing in any form disqualifies the candidate.
Documents Required
- Curriculum Vitae:
A brief CV of the applicant. - Educational & Employment History:
Detailed documents of the applicant’s educational qualifications and employment record. - Testimonials/Certificates:
Self-attested certificates or testimonials supporting educational and professional qualifications. - Photographs:
Recent passport-size colored photographs to be pasted in two of the application forms. - Work Samples:
- For print and electronic journalists: Copies of three research-based news reports, features, or documentaries published or broadcast in the last 12 months (2 copies each, submitted with two sets of applications).
- For photojournalists/video journalists: Minimum of three still photographs or videos covering significant events from the last 12 months (2 copies each, with two sets of applications).
- Accreditation Proof:
A photocopy of the Identity Card issued by the Media House and DIPR, Assam. - Freelancer Documentation:
Supporting documents proving published work in newspapers or journals. - Income Certificate:
The original income certificate issued by the concerned Circle Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which department manages the “One Time Grant for Media Personality” scheme?
It is managed by the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Assam. -
What is the maximum amount of financial assistance provided under this scheme?
₹50,000/- per journalist, awarded to 20 journalists each year. -
What is the purpose of this scheme?
To honor and support journalists in Assam, encouraging them to excel in their field and ensuring they have the financial support needed to continue their work. -
How many journalists are awarded every year?
20 journalists receive the grant annually. -
What is the age-related eligibility criteria for this scheme?
Applicants must be at least 40 years old. -
Can freshers apply?
No, only journalists with a minimum of 15 years of experience are eligible. -
Can an individual apply if he/she has been reprimanded by the Press Council of India for misconduct?
No, any such misconduct disqualifies the applicant. -
What if my annual income exceeds ₹5,00,000?
Applicants with an annual income higher than ₹5,00,000 are not eligible. -
What is the punishment if a person is found canvassing for the grant?
Canvassing leads to immediate disqualification from the scheme. -
Are freelancers eligible to apply?
Yes, freelancers from print, electronic, and news agencies are eligible, provided they meet the other criteria. -
Can I apply online to this scheme?
No, the application must be submitted offline as specified. -
To whom should the application be addressed?
The application should be addressed to the Office of the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Last Gate, Dispur, Guwahati-781006. -
How many sets of the application form are required?
Three sets of the completed application form are required. -
What should be the superscription on the envelope?
The envelope should be marked “Application for One Time Grant for Media Personality”. -
What additional documents are required for freelancers?
Freelancers must provide supporting documents as proof of published work (articles, news reports, etc.) in reputable newspapers or journals. -
How many ‘success stories’ of government schemes must be submitted?
For journalists, a minimum of three ‘success stories’ (news reports, features, etc.) must be submitted. -
What additional documents are required for photojournalists/video journalists?
They must submit a minimum of three still photographs or videos covering significant events in the last 12 months, in duplicate along with two sets of the application.