senior journalists will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 20,000 now instead of Rs 10,000. A state-of-the-art State Media Centre will be constructed at Bhopal. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made these announcements addressing a journalists’ convention at his official residence here on Thursday. Chouhan commended the hard work of media representatives saying that journalists work day and night amidst many challenges and present fact-based news to readers. He said that he respects the media persons. They act as a bridge between the Government and people. The Chief Minister Chouhan made several announcements for the journalistic fraternity. This includes medical assistance, monthly honorarium, insurance, housing facilities, and educational support, among others. In addition, the Public Relations Department will arrange digital technology training for journalists from small towns and villages. State Media Centre: The Chief Minister said that a State Media Centre equipped with modern facilities will be constructed on the land in Malviya Nagar locality Bhopal, which is laying unused. It will include facilities such as an auditorium, library, canteen, and general rooms. The centre will also provide modern amenities.

 

Announcements: Land has been allocated for journalists’ colonies at two locations in Bhopal. Steps will be taken to provide land for journalists’ societies in other cities also after following due procedures, making it easier for journalists to build their houses. The premium amount for insurance was increased by 27 per cent by the insurance company. Journalists need not pay the increased amount. The state government will pay this. Journalists will continue to pay premiums as they did in the previous year. Journalists aged 65 and above will have their insurance premiums paid by the State Government. Premiums for the life partners (husband/wife) of journalists will also be paid by the state government. The deadline for the insurance scheme will be extended from September 16 to September 25. In case of illness, financial assistance for journalists will be increased from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000. In the case of a serious illness, it will be Rs. 1 lakh. Senior and elderly journalists will receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 20,000 now instead of Rs 10,000.

 

In case of demise of a journalist receiving the honorarium, the family will receive an amount of Rs 8 lakhs. Journalists who have received the honorarium will receive a maximum housing loan interest subsidy amount of Rs 30 lakhs, increased from Rs 25 lakhs. Siblings of journalists getting monthly honorarium will receive a 5 per cent interest subsidy on their bank loans for education of their wards for a period of 5 years, provided by the State Government. Journalists in small towns and villages in Madhya Pradesh will get digital technology training in Bhopal. The Public Relations Department will make necessary arrangements in collaboration with Makhanlal Chaturvedi National Journalism and Communication University, Bhopal. A committee of senior journalists will be formed for drafting Journalist Protection Bill. The State Government will act on suggestions of the committee. Secretary of Public Relations Vivek Porval, Commissioner of Public Relations Manish Singh, Director Ashutosh Pratap Singh and senior officials, media persons from Indore, Sagar, Rewa, Ujjain, Shahdol, Chambal, Gwalior, Narmadapuram divisions were present.