Scheme for Providing Financial Assistance for the Purchase of Laptop or Desktop Computer to the Media Persons of the Union Territory of Puducherry

Description
"Scheme for Providing Financial Assistance for the Purchase of Laptop or Desktop Computer to the Media Persons of the Union Territory of Puducherry" by the Department of Information & Publicity, Puducherry, aims to grant financial assistance for the purchase of laptops or desktop computers to eligible media persons, keeping in view the special nature of the service rendered by the Media Persons to society in creating a sense of socio-political awareness among the people.

Benefits
• Financial Assistance: Upto ₹15,000/- per month, or as may be fixed by the Government from time to time.
• Purpose: For the purchase of ANY ONE of the following -
• A brand new personal computer that runs on AC power.
• A brand new, small, portable personal computer that runs on either batteries or AC power; designed for use during travel.
• Mode of Payment: The Member Secretary-cum-Director will hand over the amount to the applicant after obtaining the necessary receipt from the applicant in the prescribed format (Form-VI).

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a citizen of India.
2. The applicant should be a native of the Union Territory of Puducherry by birth or by continuous residence for not less than ten years.
3. The applicant should have served for five years in ANY ONE of the following positions:
4. - A full-time Editor/Reporter/Sub-Editor/Press Photographer/Correspondent of a Newspaper/Periodical duly registered with the Registrar of Newspapers of India, New Delhi.
5. - Reporter/Photographer of News Agencies in Puducherry with headquarters outside the Union territory of Puducherry.
6. - Reporter/Videographer in the employ of electronic media, namely Satellite Channels.

Application Process
Step 1: The applicant should write a formal letter, attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required), and submit the same to -
The Director
Department of Information & Publicity
18, Belcombe Street, Puducherry - 605 001
+91-413-2334…
Offline

The applicant should write a formal letter, attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required), and submit the same to -
The Director
Department of Information & Publicity
18, Belcombe Street, Puducherry - 605 001
+91-413-2334398, 2336415, 2337078
[email protected]
*The Office Timings are Monday to Friday, 08:45 am to 01:00 pm & 02:00 pm to 05:45 pm.

Required Documents
• Nationality/Nativity/Residence Certificate (Form-II), issued by the Officer of the Revenue Department not below the rank of a Deputy Tahsildar.
• Service Certificate (Form-III), showing the designation, the nature of the post (full-time or part-time), period of service, and the place of work from the former employer.
• Declaration (Form-IV) along with original purchase bill of the Laptop/Desktop, indicating the Serial Number, the Make, and other technical specification.
• Press Identification Card, issued by the Directorate of Information and Publicity, Puducherry.
• Verification Certificate (Form-V) of the Director of Information and Publicity, Puducherry.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is considered a "Media Person" under the Scheme?
A: A Media Person, as per the Scheme, is someone holding a Press Identification Card from the Directorate of Information and Publicity, Puducherry.

Q: How much financial assistance can be granted under the Scheme?
A: Financial assistance under this Scheme shall not exceed [?]15,000 or an amount fixed by the Government from time to time.

Q: How is the disbursal of financial assistance handled?
A: The Member Secretary-cum-Director of Information and Publicity arranges for drawing the amount through a crossed cheque/Demand Draft in favor of the applicant.

Q: Can you explain the information required in Form-I for the application?
A: Form-I requires details like the applicant's name, designation, address, period of residence, and information about the media organization they work for.

Q: What is the purpose of Form-II, and what information does it contain?
A: Form-II is a certificate of nationality and nativity, certifying the applicant as a citizen of India and a native of Puducherry.

Q: How does Form-III, the service certificate, contribute to the application?
A: Form-III, issued by the employer, certifies the applicant's continuous service as a media professional, specifying the nature of their role.

Q: Can Media Persons apply for financial assistance to purchase used computers?
A: Yes, Media Persons can apply for financial assistance to purchase either brand new or used laptops or desktop computers.

Q: Is there a provision for updating the amount of financial assistance?
A: The Scheme allows the Government to revise the amount of financial assistance from time to time as deemed necessary.

Q: What is the role of the Regional Administrator in the selection process?
A: The Regional Administrator participates in the Committee's selection process, particularly for applicants from outlying regions.

Q: If an applicant has worked for 5 years in a media role outside Puducherry, can they still be considered eligible for financial assistance?
A: Yes, the Scheme allows eligibility for individuals who have worked as Reporter/Photographer of News Agencies in Puducherry with headquarters outside the Union territory or as Reporter/Videographer in the employ of electronic media, namely Satellite Channels.

Q: Does the Scheme require Media Persons to be currently employed, or can retired professionals also apply?
A: The Scheme does not explicitly specify employment status; however, applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of service in relevant media roles to qualify.

Q: If a Media Person has changed their place of residence within Puducherry, does it affect their eligibility for financial assistance?
A: As long as the applicant maintains continuous residence within Puducherry for the required 10 years, changing the place of residence within the Union Territory should not affect their eligibility for financial assistance under the Scheme.