Goa State Working Journalists Welfare Scheme
Information and Publicity Department
Last updated:
Overview
"Goa State Working Journalists Welfare Scheme" aims to improve the welfare of working journalists retired from service in Goa and their families. It provides a monthly welfare fund of ₹ 7,500/- and family pension benefits for eligible journalists and their dependents.
Details
Launched in 1st February 2002, the scheme "Goa State Working Journalists Welfare Scheme" by the Department of Information and Publicity, Government of Goa, aims to improve the welfare of working journalists, who are working in Goa, after retirement, and their families. The two significant benefits include a monthly welfare fund of ₹ 7,500/- and family welfare providing 50% of the pension in the event of the journalist's death. The two significant eligibility criteria are working as a journalist in Goa under the definition of the Working Journalists and Newspaper Employees Service Conditions and Miscellaneous Conditions Act, 1955, and having retired after fifteen years of service, being not below 50 years of age in Goa, with continuous or interval service.
Exclusions
• No working journalist will be entitled to join the scheme for the second time after surrendering membership, cancellation of membership, or once availing benefits.
• Membership is automatically lost if a member remains without working as a journalist continuously for one year.
• Membership is automatically lost for continuous default in contribution payment for six months, although the Governing Body can restore it under specific unforeseen circumstances, but not more than three times.
Benefits
• Amount & Intended Use: ₹ 7,500/- per month, for the welfare of eligible working journalists retired after working in Goa.
• Disbursement Frequency & Mode: By cheque by the Director of Information and Publicity, after the sixth of every month. Generally, from the succeeding month of retirement.
• Expected Time of Disbursement: From the first day of the month following retirement.
• Conditions: Consideration and order by the Governing Body or authorised Sub Committee, satisfaction of the convener (for temporary welfare subject to ratification), and verification of the passbook by the Director of Information and Publicity.
• Amount & Intended Use: 50% of the journalist's pension, for the spouse, unmarried children below 21 years, and dependent parents of a deceased working journalist who was a member of the scheme.
• Disbursement Frequency & Mode: Monthly, likely after the sixth of every month, by cheque by the Director of Information and Publicity.
• Conditions: Submission of an application by family members and based on the nomination by the deceased member.
• Amount & Intended Use: The member's contribution towards the fund, to be returned to members who lose membership due to not working as a journalist for one continuous year or defaulting on contributions for six continuous months.
• Expected Time of Disbursement: Within one year of losing membership.
Eligibility Criteria
1. **All working journalists who fall under the categories mentioned below will be eligible for welfare under the scheme -**
2. - Those who retire after fifteen years of service, not below 50 years of age in Goa, continuous or with intervals, and who have contributed for a period of 180 months under this scheme only after attaining the age of 58 or after he or she retire from service.
3. - Those who register under the Scheme within 6 months of the implementation and whose contribution falls less than 180 months, they will be governed by the [Registration clause](https://dip.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Jour-wel-fund.pdf). However, a relaxation could be granted if the working journalist concerned is afflicted and is undergoing treatment for any serious ailment. Such a relaxation could be granted only after the governing body ratifies such a request from the working journalist concerned.- Any member who attains 58 years of age, or completes 50 years after becoming a member of the scheme, whichever is earlier, will be entitled to welfare under the scheme.
4. - Any journalist who is covered under the Working Journalists Act will be eligible under the Scheme for welfare.
5. - Any journalist who has retired after continuous service for 15 years or with intervals and who is a member of the welfare scheme.
6. _*A relaxation could be granted to working journalists registering within six months of implementation with less than 180 months of contribution, if afflicted with a serious ailment and undergoing treatment, subject to Governing Body ratification._
Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the registration form (Annexure-I).
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the registration form (Annexure-I).
Step 2: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
Offline
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
Step 3: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the convener of the governing body. Receive entry in the register maintained by the convener or authorised officer.
Offline
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the convener of the governing body. Receive entry in the register maintained by the convener or authorised officer.
Step 4: Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form (Annexure-II).
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form (Annexure-II).
Step 5: Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
Offline
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
Step 6: Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the convener of the governing body.
Offline
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the convener of the governing body.
Step 7: Step 1: The Governing Body or authorised Sub Committee considers the application within one month. If eligible, an order is issued to the convener.
Offline
Step 1: The Governing Body or authorised Sub Committee considers the application within one month. If eligible, an order is issued to the convener.
Step 8: Step 2: The convener may issue temporary welfare upon satisfaction, subject to Governing Body ratification. Final welfare is sanctioned.
Offline
Step 2: The convener may issue temporary welfare upon satisfaction, subject to Governing Body ratification. Final welfare is sanctioned.
Step 9: Step 3: The Director of Information and Publicity disburses the welfare by cheque after the sixth of each month, following verification of the passbook, generally from the month after retirement.
Offline
Step 3: The Director of Information and Publicity disburses the welfare by cheque after the sixth of each month, following verification of the passbook, generally from the month after retirement.
Step 10: Step 1: Family members submit an application in the event of the member's death.
Offline
Step 1: Family members submit an application in the event of the member's death.
Step 11: Step 2: The application is processed based on the nomination made by the deceased member.
Offline
Step 2: The application is processed based on the nomination made by the deceased member.
Step 12: Step 3: Family welfare (50% of pension) is disbursed, likely following a similar procedure to the regular welfare fund.
Offline
Step 3: Family welfare (50% of pension) is disbursed, likely following a similar procedure to the regular welfare fund.
Required Documents
• Statement Issued By The Newspaper Concerned (Annexure –III) showing name of the establishment, work of the applicant, date of joining service, and date of birth as per official records (required for registration).
• Attested Copy To Prove The Date Of Birth.
• Employment Certificate From The Newspaper Establishment with which the applicant is working, OR Employment Certificate From The President Or Secretary of the Goa Union of Working Journalists of the State (for welfare application).
• Passbook with the member's photograph and contribution details (as evidence for granting welfare).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum age requirement for a working journalist to register under the welfare scheme?
A: A working journalist must be at least 18 years old but not older than 50 years to register under the scheme.
Q: How many years of service are required for a journalist to become eligible for welfare benefits?
A: A journalist must complete 15 years of service, either continuously or with intervals, to qualify for benefits.
Q: At what age can a journalist retire and become eligible for welfare benefits under the scheme?
A: A journalist must retire at or after 50 years of age to be eligible for welfare benefits.
Q: What happens if a journalist defaults on monthly contributions for six consecutive months?
A: The journalist will automatically lose membership but can request restoration with valid reasons, limited to three times.
Q: Can a journalist rejoin the scheme after surrendering membership or availing benefits once?
A: No, a journalist cannot rejoin the scheme after surrendering membership or availing benefits.
Q: What documents are required for registration under the welfare scheme?
A: The application must include a statement from the newspaper employer and details like date of birth and service history.
Q: How is the welfare fund amount disbursed to eligible journalists?
A: The welfare amount of ₹7,500 per month is disbursed by cheque after the 6th of every month.
Q: What is the process for restoring membership if it is lost due to non-payment?
A: The governing body may restore membership upon receiving evidence of unforeseen circumstances, but only up to three times.
Q: Who is considered family under the welfare scheme for the purpose of benefits?
A: Family includes the spouse, unmarried children below 21 years, and parents dependent on the journalist.
Q: What is the monthly welfare amount provided to eligible journalists?
A: Eligible journalists receive ₹7,500 per month as welfare under the scheme.
Q: Can a journalist continue working after 50 years and still avail benefits?
A: Yes, but benefits are only granted after retirement or upon completing 15 years of service.
Q: What happens to the welfare benefits if a journalist passes away?
A: The family receives 50% of the journalist’s pension as welfare benefits.
Q: How long does a journalist have to register after the scheme comes into force?
A: Journalists must register within six months of the scheme’s implementation to be eligible.
Q: Can a journalist change their nominee after submitting the nomination form?
A: No, nominations cannot be changed unless the nominee dies or a family member becomes eligible.
Q: What is the initial government contribution to the welfare fund?
A: The government contributes ₹5,00,000 initially and ₹2,00,000 annually for the first five years.
Q: What is the process for applying for family welfare after a journalist’s death?
A: Family members must submit an application along with the journalist’s employment certificate or a letter from the journalists’ union.
Eligibility Criteria
**All working journalists who fall under the categories mentioned below will be eligible for welfare under the scheme -**
- Those who retire after fifteen years of service, not below 50 years of age in Goa, continuous or with intervals, and who have contributed for a period of 180 months under this scheme only after attaining the age of 58 or after he or she retire from service.
- Those who register under the Scheme within 6 months of the implementation and whose contribution falls less than 180 months, they will be governed by the [Registration clause](https://dip.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Jour-wel-fund.pdf). However, a relaxation could be granted if the working journalist concerned is afflicted and is undergoing treatment for any serious ailment. Such a relaxation could be granted only after the governing body ratifies such a request from the working journalist concerned.- Any member who attains 58 years of age, or completes 50 years after becoming a member of the scheme, whichever is earlier, will be entitled to welfare under the scheme.
- Any journalist who is covered under the Working Journalists Act will be eligible under the Scheme for welfare.
- Any journalist who has retired after continuous service for 15 years or with intervals and who is a member of the welfare scheme.
_*A relaxation could be granted to working journalists registering within six months of implementation with less than 180 months of contribution, if afflicted with a serious ailment and undergoing treatment, subject to Governing Body ratification._
Benefits
Amount & Intended Use: ₹ 7,500/- per month, for the welfare of eligible working journalists retired after working in Goa.
Disbursement Frequency & Mode: By cheque by the Director of Information and Publicity, after the sixth of every month. Generally, from the succeeding month of retirement.
Expected Time of Disbursement: From the first day of the month following retirement.
Conditions: Consideration and order by the Governing Body or authorised Sub Committee, satisfaction of the convener (for temporary welfare subject to ratification), and verification of the passbook by the Director of Information and Publicity.
Amount & Intended Use: 50% of the journalist's pension, for the spouse, unmarried children below 21 years, and dependent parents of a deceased working journalist who was a member of the scheme.
Disbursement Frequency & Mode: Monthly, likely after the sixth of every month, by cheque by the Director of Information and Publicity.
Conditions: Submission of an application by family members and based on the nomination by the deceased member.
Amount & Intended Use: The member's contribution towards the fund, to be returned to members who lose membership due to not working as a journalist for one continuous year or defaulting on contributions for six continuous months.
Expected Time of Disbursement: Within one year of losing membership.
Required Documents
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 1 | Statement Issued By The Newspaper Concerned (Annexure –III) showing name of the establishment, work of the applicant, date of joining service, and date of birth as per official records (required for registration). |
| 2 | Attested Copy To Prove The Date Of Birth. |
| 3 | Employment Certificate From The Newspaper Establishment with which the applicant is working, OR Employment Certificate From The President Or Secretary of the Goa Union of Working Journalists of the State (for welfare application). |
| 4 | Passbook with the member's photograph and contribution details (as evidence for granting welfare). |
How to Apply
Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the registration form (Annexure-I).
Offline Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the registration form (Annexure-I).
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
Offline Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the convener of the governing body. Receive entry in the register maintained by the convener or authorised officer.
Offline Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the convener of the governing body. Receive entry in the register maintained by the convener or authorised officer.
Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form (Annexure-II).
Offline Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format of the application form (Annexure-II).
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
Offline Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attested, if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the convener of the governing body.
Offline Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents, within the prescribed period (if any), to the convener of the governing body.
Step 1: The Governing Body or authorised Sub Committee considers the application within one month. If eligible, an order is issued to the convener.
Offline Step 1: The Governing Body or authorised Sub Committee considers the application within one month. If eligible, an order is issued to the convener.
Step 2: The convener may issue temporary welfare upon satisfaction, subject to Governing Body ratification. Final welfare is sanctioned.
Offline Step 2: The convener may issue temporary welfare upon satisfaction, subject to Governing Body ratification. Final welfare is sanctioned.
Step 3: The Director of Information and Publicity disburses the welfare by cheque after the sixth of each month, following verification of the passbook, generally from the month after retirement.
Offline Step 3: The Director of Information and Publicity disburses the welfare by cheque after the sixth of each month, following verification of the passbook, generally from the month after retirement.
Step 1: Family members submit an application in the event of the member's death.
Offline Step 1: Family members submit an application in the event of the member's death.
Step 2: The application is processed based on the nomination made by the deceased member.
Offline Step 2: The application is processed based on the nomination made by the deceased member.
Step 3: Family welfare (50% of pension) is disbursed, likely following a similar procedure to the regular welfare fund.
Offline Step 3: Family welfare (50% of pension) is disbursed, likely following a similar procedure to the regular welfare fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
A working journalist must be at least 18 years old but not older than 50 years to register under the scheme.