The media plays a vital role as the fourth pillar of democracy, contributing significantly to shaping public opinion, national development, and holding governments accountable. As a powerful tool for progress, it is essential for the press to maintain its independence and impartiality, upholding its duty to inform and educate the public.
The Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of the journalist fraternity. The Goa State Journalist Welfare Scheme (Pension Scheme), launched in 2003, has undergone significant revisions since its inception. Initial stage, the scheme provided a pension of Rs 1,000 and family pension of Rs 500, with journalists required to contribute Rs 36,000 to the fund. However, after making various amendments Pramod Sawant led Government decided to revisit the scheme for the benefit of the journalist fraternity. The recent amendments have brought about a substantial increase in benefits, with journalists and family pensioners now receiving an equal pension of Rs 10,000. The eligibility criteria for the scheme include: to fill necessary forms and documents requires 18 years of full-time journalistic experience and 15 years of residence certificate in Goa
Another notable initiative is the Assistance for Purchase of Laptop/Camera for Journalists scheme, which provides journalists with access to essential technology at subsidized rates.
The Assistance for Purchase of Laptop/Camera scheme was initially discontinued due to lack of response after four years of implementation. However, following demands from the Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ), the government, led by Pramod Sawant, decided to re-launch the scheme. As part of the revamped scheme, those who availed of the benefit five years ago are now eligible to benefit again.
The Department also has Patrakar Kritadnyata Nidhi Scheme (Journalists Benevolent Fund) providing immediate financial assistance to needy journalists found to be in indigent circumstances in emergency cases. Financial assistance up to Rs 2 lakh is provided to the needy journalist as per the criteria and selection recommendation by the sub-committee constituted under the scheme. Key benefits include under this scheme, a journalist can claim mediclaim, financial assistance for house repair, scholarship for children etc.
The Government of Goa every year recognizes journalists by awarding them under the scheme 'Goa State Journalist Awards Scheme'. The awards, instituted by the Government of Goa, aim to encourage local journalists to showcase their talent and excellence in reporting.
A Lifetime Achievement Award is also conferred under the scheme, which is the tenth category of this scheme, which this year is awarded to Alexyz (Alex Fernandes), veteran cartoonist for his contributions to journalism. The award winners receive Rs 25,000 each, while the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient receives Rs 1 lakh. This recognition not only honours individual journalists but also promotes high standards in journalism.
The Government through the Department of Information and Publicity is always working for the welfare of journalists. It is pertinent to note that there are more schemes in the pipeline for the betterment of the journalist fraternity. As Information Officer for Schemes, I’d like to request all journalists to familiarize themselves with the various schemes implemented by the Department of Information and Publicity for their welfare.
(The writer is Information Officer at the Department of Information and Publicity)
