Rajasthan Varishth Patrakar Samman Yojana

Description
The "Rajasthan Varishth Patrakar Samman Yojana" was implemented by the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Rajasthan, to recognize and support the contributions of senior accredited journalists. Under this scheme, a monthly financial assistance of ₹15,000/- is provided to full-time accredited journalists who are 60 years of age or older and have served continuously for at least 20 years in daily, weekly, fortnightly newspapers, independent publications, electronic media, or news agencies including editors, publishers, and owners .

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Financial Assistance:
• Monthly Honorarium: ₹15,000/- per month to the senior accredited journalists.
• In case of the journalist's death, 50% of the amount is provided to the widow.
• Duration:
• Paid for a maximum period of 5 years, subject to review.
• Mode of Disbursement:
• Direct Bank Transfer to the journalist’s savings account.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant must be a full-time accredited journalist.
2. The applicant must have continuously worked for at least 20 years in daily newspapers, weekly newspapers, fortnightly news publications, independent journalism, electronic media, or news agencies, including roles such as editor, publisher, or owner of such media organizations.
3. Accredited journalists who have been regularly accredited with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Rajasthan for at least 10 years will be eligible for this scheme.
4. The journalist should be 60 years of age or older as of the application date.
5. The applicant should not be receiving any salary, pension, or regular financial assistance from any newspaper, institution, or any other regular assistance from the State Government.
6. The applicant must declare (via affidavit) that they do not fall under the category of an income tax payee.
7. The applicant should not have any criminal case registered against them.
8. **Note:** The honorarium will be given for an initial period of five years.

Required Documents
• Passport-size Photo
• Proof of age
• Qualification Certificates
• Experience Certificate/Proof of 20 years in journalism
• Accreditation Certificate from the Department minimum 10 years
• Self-Declaration Affidavit (₹50 Stamp Paper – stating non-income tax status)
• No Objection Certificate from any affiliated media house (if required)
• Bank Passbook/Cancelled Cheque (for account details)
• Proof of No Criminal Record (Self-declaration or Police verification)
• No Other Benefit Receive Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who implements the scheme?
A: The Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Rajasthan.

Q: How much is the monthly honorarium under this scheme?
A: Financial assistance of ₹5,000/- per month.

Q: What is the minimum age requirement?
A: The applicant must be at least 60 years old.

Q: What is the minimum experience required in journalism?
A: A minimum of 20 years of journalistic work is required.

Q: Are editors and publishers eligible?
A: Yes, if they meet the criteria of service and accreditation.

Q: Can journalists receiving a government pension apply?
A: No, the scheme excludes individuals receiving any regular financial support.

Q: What happens if a beneficiary dies?
A: His widow will receive ₹2,500/- per month as a partial benefit.

Q: How is the amount disbursed?
A: Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the applicant’s bank account.

Q: Can the benefit be withdrawn?
A: Yes, in case of misconduct, criminal charges, or deviation from journalistic ethics.

Q: Is there any review after receiving the benefit?
A: Yes, every case will be reviewed after five years.