I&B ministry to form a committee to review Journalist Welfare Scheme

WHY IN THE NEWS?

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to form a committee to review the existing guidelines of the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS).
• The 12-member committee, with Ashok Kumar Tandon, Member, Prasar Bharati Board, as its chairperson, will revise the quantum of ex-gratia payment in case of death as well as in other cases under the scheme.
• The terms of reference (ToR) of the committee include examining the need for such a revision of the quantum of ex-gratia payment. The committee will look into the aspect of differentiation or parity between accredited and non-accredited journalists for availing benefits under the scheme.
• The committee shall give its recommendations within two months and all secretarial assistance for convening its meetings will be provided by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).