Journalist Welfare Scheme
The Journalist Welfare Scheme offers financial aid to journalists and their families facing extreme hardship.
Key facts
| Death / permanent disability | Up to ₹5,00,000 |
|---|---|
| Major medical treatment | Up to ₹3,00,000 (up to ₹5,00,000 for serious illnesses like cancer) |
| Serious injury (hospitalisation) | Up to ₹2,00,000 |
| Who | Serving or retired journalists (including cameramen), Indian citizens |
| Accreditation | PIB-accredited, or at least 5 years of continuous service if not accredited |
| Family | Family members of a deceased journalist can also apply |
| Apply | Offline, to the Principal DG (M&C), Press Information Bureau, New Delhi |
| Application window | Apply when the hardship arises (medical treatment, injury, or a death in the family). Assistance is decided case-by-case by a committee, so it is not automatic. |
Benefits
Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to ₹5,00,000 for death or permanent disability, and up to ₹3,00,000 for major medical treatments. Assistance for serious injuries from accidents can be up to ₹2,00,000.
Full guide
What the scheme gives you
The Journalist Welfare Scheme, run by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, provides financial help to journalists and their families who face extreme hardship. The support is graded to the situation:
- Up to ₹5,00,000 in the event of death or permanent disability
- Up to ₹3,00,000 for major medical treatment (up to ₹5,00,000 for serious illnesses such as cancer)
- Up to ₹2,00,000 for serious injuries needing hospitalisation
Who can apply
The scheme is for working and retired journalists, and their families. You are eligible if:
- You are an Indian citizen and a serving or retired journalist (cameramen are included)
- You are accredited to the Press Information Bureau, or — if not — have at least 5 years of continuous service
- You (or the family of a deceased journalist) are facing the hardship the scheme covers
- You are not an income-tax payer and your family has no government employee
How to apply
The application is offline. Complete the prescribed form and attach the supporting documents — proof of age and residence, bank details (Aadhaar-seeded), and the papers for the reason you are applying (medical records, disability or death certificate), plus details of any assistance received from other sources. Send it to the Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. A committee then decides the assistance on the merits of the case.
Documents you need
- Proof of age and residence
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account details
- Medical records / disability certificate / death certificate, as applicable
- Proof of accreditation or continuous service as a journalist
- Details of any assistance received from other sources
Who can apply
- For: journalist
- not income tax payer
- no government employee in family
Applicants must be Indian citizens, either serving or retired journalists, and accredited to the Press Information Bureau. Those not currently accredited must have at least five years of continuous service. Family members of deceased journalists may also apply, but there are exclusions for income tax payers and government employees in the family.
Who is not eligible
- People who are not serving/retired journalists (or their eligible family)
- Non-accredited journalists with less than 5 years of continuous service
- Income-tax payers, or families that include a government employee
How to apply
Applications must be submitted offline to the designated authority as per the scheme guidelines.
- Prepare necessary documents including proof of age, residence, and bank details.
- Gather documents related to the reason for financial assistance, such as medical records or death certificates.
- Compile details of any financial assistance received from other sources.
- Complete the application form as prescribed in the scheme guidelines.
- Send the application to The Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.
Documents required
- Proof of Age / DOB
- Proof of Residence
- Bank Details
- Documents pertaining to the Reason and Purpose of Financial Assistance
- Bills / Receipts pertaining to the amount of financial assistance sought
- Details of Financial Assistance received / applied for from other sources
- Family Details (if applicable)
- Photocopy of Cheque along with the verification obtained from the bank
Common problems and how to fix them
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Not PIB-accredited | If you are not PIB-accredited, you need at least 5 years of continuous service as a journalist to be eligible. |
| Is assistance guaranteed? | No — even if you meet the criteria, the amount is decided by a committee on the merits of the case and available funds. A strong, well-documented application helps. |
| Bank account for the transfer | Benefits are paid only into an Aadhaar-seeded bank account. Make sure your account is Aadhaar-linked. |
| Are cameramen covered? | Yes — cameramen are included and can apply under the scheme. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum financial assistance for a journalist suffering from cancer?
A journalist suffering from cancer can receive financial assistance of up to ₹5,00,000.
Can the family of a deceased journalist apply for financial aid?
Yes, the family can apply for financial assistance of up to ₹5,00,000 in case of the journalist's death.
Is there financial support for hospitalization due to serious injuries?
Yes, up to ₹2,00,000 may be provided for medical expenses resulting from serious injuries necessitating hospitalization.
Does the bank account need to be Aadhaar seeded for receiving assistance?
Yes, the benefits will only be transferred to Aadhaar seeded bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
Are cameramen eligible for this scheme?
Yes, cameramen are included and can apply for assistance under this scheme.
Does meeting eligibility criteria guarantee financial assistance?
No, receiving assistance is not guaranteed; it depends on the committee's assessment of the case's merits and available resources.
How much aid is available?
Up to ₹5 lakh for death or permanent disability, up to ₹3 lakh for major medical treatment (up to ₹5 lakh for serious illnesses like cancer), and up to ₹2 lakh for serious injuries.
Who can apply?
Serving or retired journalists (including cameramen), and the family of a deceased journalist.
Do I need PIB accreditation?
Either PIB accreditation, or at least 5 years of continuous service if not accredited.
Is the assistance guaranteed?
No — it is decided case-by-case by a committee based on merit and available resources.
Where do I apply?
Offline, to the Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.
Always confirm the latest details on the official portal before applying.
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