Overview
- The chief minister announced the measures on Tuesday at the Nabanna state secretariat and said he will not adopt a vindictive approach toward journalists while urging caution on reporting that could affect national security or hurt religious sentiments.
- The state doubled the monthly pension for retired journalists to Rs 5,000 from Rs 2,500 and removed the government accreditation requirement so a larger pool of former and working journalists can apply for the allowance.
- The annual Puja bonus for journalists has been raised to Rs 3,000 with accreditation rules dropped and all applicants who meet eligibility criteria will be considered for the payment.
- All journalists and their family members who do not qualify under Ayushman Bharat will be brought under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme for cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh at empanelled hospitals nationwide.
- Adhikari also pledged to strengthen the West Bengal Consumer Affairs Department and said administrative implementation of the new journalist benefits will follow as officials set eligibility and rollout procedures.