Journalist's Medical Welfare Scheme offers one-time money support to accredited and recognized journalists of Assam who face serious medical treatment costs. The scheme was first launched in 2012 and continues to help journalists and their dependent family members cover treatment for severe and long-term ailments.
Information and Public Relations Department runs this scheme. The support amount is paid from the interest earned on the scheme's corpus fund. It covers the medical needs of the journalist as well as their dependent family members.
Journalist's Medical Welfare Scheme - Overview
This scheme gives one-time financial support to help journalists manage treatment costs. It is made for accredited and recognized journalists who face big health problems. It helps those who need costly, long-term, or surgical treatment for serious conditions.
Support can be given for many complex ailments, including but not limited to:
- Cardiological, nephrological, oncological, neurological, gastroenterological, or endocrinological issues.
- Surgical procedures that result from accidents, including artificial replacements.
- Incurable chronic illnesses that need life-saving devices.
- Any other medically diagnosed life-threatening health condition.
The committee decides the grant amount based on the severity of the medical condition. It reviews the medical records before approving any support.
Highlights
| Scheme Name | Journalist's Medical Welfare Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Assam |
| Category | Health and Wellness, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Family |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Main Department | Information and Public Relations Department |
| Department Running the Scheme | Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Govt. of Assam |
Benefits
This scheme offers critical financial relief and helps cover expensive treatment bills for the journalist and their dependent family members. The committee decides the grant amount based on how severe the medical condition is, using the following support tiers:
| Condition Severity | Maximum Support |
| Non-life-threatening disorders | ₹ 50,000 |
| Life-threatening disorders | ₹ 1,00,000 |
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the applicant should meet the following criteria:
- The applicant should be a citizen of India and an ordinary resident of Assam.
- The applicant must be a journalist formally accredited or recognized by the DIPR under the Assam Press Correspondents (Accredited/Recognitions) Rules, 1989.
- Receiving this support is not a matter of right. The committee reviews each application based on merit and the availability of funds, and it may approve or reject applications as it sees fit.
Application Process
The application is submitted offline to the Convener of the Committee (Director, DIPR). Follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Download the relevant form for the journalist or the dependent family member from the official portal of the scheme.
STEP 2 - Fill out the prescribed form and attach a detailed medical report along with the required supporting documents.
STEP 3 - Send the completed application to the Director of DIPR, who will start the review process.
STEP 4 - The committee will check the documents and may ask for more evidence about the applicant's financial situation before approving the support.
STEP 5 - Once approved, the applicant receives the order sanctioning the financial support. In urgent or emergency cases, the Chairperson may approve immediate decisions, which are later ratified by the committee.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Self-attested or attested copy of the DIPR Identity Card.
- Identity Card issued by the present organization.
- Bank documents, including the front page of the passbook and a cancelled cheque.
- Medical records such as admission certificates, discharge summaries, prescriptions, bills, vouchers, and clinical reports.
- A copy of the PAN Card or Aadhar Card.
- Any additional certificates or proof of current financial need.
References
Official Website | Office Memorandum | Application Form
FAQ's
What is the benefit of this scheme?
The scheme provides one-time financial support to accredited and recognized journalists in Assam for required medical treatment.
What does this scheme cover?
It covers the medical needs of both the journalist and their dependent family members.
Who is considered an accredited journalist?
An accredited journalist is someone identified by the Director of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Assam under the Assam Press Correspondents (Accredited/Recognitions) Rules, 1989.
How is the financial support funded?
The support is paid out of the interest earned from the scheme's corpus fund.
How does the committee decide the grant?
The committee reviews the medical records and the nature and severity of the condition to decide the right financial amount.
Who can apply?
Any journalist of Assam who is formally accredited or recognized by the DIPR and meets all the required norms can apply.
How will beneficiaries get payment?
Payments are made through a cheque issued by the DIPR, sourced from the interest income of the corpus fund.
Is this scheme only for Assam journalists?
Yes, the scheme is for journalists who are accredited or recognized by the DIPR Assam and their dependent family members.
How are urgent or emergency cases handled?
In urgent cases, the Chairperson may approve the support, which is then reported and finalized in the next committee meeting.
When is the financial support given?
The support is typically given on the date the sanction order is issued, unless otherwise stated in the document.