Financial Assistance under Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme

Description
The scheme “Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme” was launched by the Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Odisha. Under the Scheme, financial assistance is provided to the legal heir of the working journalist in case of his/her death, and in case of permanent incapacitation. In the event of death of a working journalist, a fixed sum of money may be paid to the widow, and in the event of the deceased not being survived by his widow, equally to the minor children. In the event, the deceased was not married or is not survived by his widow or children, such ex-gratia payment may be sanctioned in favour of his father or mother. The eligible applicant, in such case, can apply online for financial assistance from the Information & Public Relations Department.

Benefits
• Under the scheme, an ex-gratia of ₹4,00,000/- is provided to the legal heir of the working journalist in case of his/her death and ₹2,00,000/- in case of permanent incapacitation.

Eligibility Criteria
1. Journalist should be working in Odisha.
2. The Journalist should be working for a media house registered with the I&PR department, Odisha.
3. The applicant should be a legal heir of the working journalist in case of his/her death or in case of permanent incapacitation.
4. **Note:** "Permanent Incapacitation" means incapacitation on account of accident, disease, or any other reason which renders the working Journalist wholly unfit for working as such.

Required Documents
• Aadhaar Card
• Photograph
• Income Certificate
• Copy of accreditation card for accredited journalist
• Death Certificate (If applicable)
• Legal heir certificate (If applicable)
• Media card Copy
• Upload the Bank Passbook Front Page
• Any other documents, as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ‘Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme’?
A: The 'Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme' is an initiative launched by the Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Odisha. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to the legal heir of a working journalist in the event of the journalist's death or permanent incapacitation.

Q: Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
A: The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to the legal heirs of working journalists in Odisha who face financial challenges due to the death or permanent incapacitation of the journalist.

Q: What is the ex-gratia amount provided under the scheme in case of a journalist's death?
A: In the event of a working journalist's death, the scheme provides an ex-gratia amount of [?]4,00,000/- to the legal heir of the deceased journalist.

Q: How much ex-gratia is offered under the scheme in case of permanent incapacitation of a journalist?
A: In case of permanent incapacitation of a working journalist, the Ex-Gratia Scheme provides a financial assistance amounting to [?]2,00,000/- to the legal heir of the deceased journalist.

Q: Who can apply for the benefits in case of the journalist's death or permanent incapacitation?
A: The applicant should be a legal heir of the working journalist to claim benefits under the Scheme. In the event of the journalist's death or permanent incapacitation, the legal heir can apply for financial assistance.

Q: How is "Permanent Incapacitation" defined under the scheme?
A: "Permanent Incapacitation" refers to a condition where the working journalist becomes wholly unfit for the profession due to accident, disease, or any other reason.

Q: Where can I get more information about the Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme?
A: For detailed information, individuals can contact the Information & Public Relations Department of the Government of Odisha.

Q: How to apply under the scheme?
A: The eligible applicants need to visit and apply through the official web portal of the "Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme Application". i.e. https://owjws.odisha.gov.in/