Under Manipur State Journalist Welfare Scheme which was first implemented in 2017, minister of information and public relation, Manipur Th. Biswajit handed over a cheque of Rs. 2 lakhs to the Lalremsiem Joute wife of co-editor, Hmasawnna Thar ( daily Hmar newspaper)  late Joseph Joute at conference hall new secretariat Imphal on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that the role of the journalist in gathering information and disseminating it to the masses cannot be performed and replaced by any individual. As such the State Government is showing its concerns to the media fraternity since the Chief Minister who, as a former journalist is aware of the problems of journalists in the state.

He also mentioned the possibility of increasing the pension scheme of journalists in the state and further said that 98 applicants have been approved to receive the journalist pension scheme. The cash prize for the best editor award will also be increased with the approval of the finance department. The government is also planning to inaugurate the new DIPR complex by the end of the year, he added.

Manipur State Journalist Welfare Scheme was first implemented in 2017 to provide one time financial assistance to the accredited and recognized journalist of Manipur for one time ex gratia relief on an urgent basis to journalists and their families.

The scheme also covered the medical requirements of the journalist and the financial assistance is extended out of the Corpus fund of Rs. 10 Crore. A total of 17 lakhs has been utilized from the interest incurred from the Corpus fund. Till date, financial assistance to six deceased journalists as one time ex- gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each has been handed over to their families amounting to a total of Rs. 12 lakhs.

Financial assistance for treatment has been provided to 6 journalists amounting to 5 lakhs. A total of Rs. 5 lakhs have been given as ex gratia and medical financial assistance to three journalists from the hill districts. A total of 12 lakhs have been given as ex gratia and medical financial assistance to nine journalists from the valley.