Journalists play an important role in strengthening the democracy: ICA Minister
The present government has started health insurance for govemment accredited journalists working in the state. There will be scope for getting treatment services up to 3 lakh rupees annually under the health insurance. The state government has taken initiative to provide accreditation cards to joumalists to bring more number of journalists under health insurance, stated Information & Cultural Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury after distributing accreditation cards to journalists working in the state in a programme organized by Information & Cultural Affairs department at the conference hall of the Secretariat today. Accreditation cards were officially handed over to 11 journalists of print media and to 13 journalists of electronic media.
The ICA Minister in the programme said, the ICA department is committed towards providing the long demand of journalists of the state for accreditation card. Initiative has been taken to bring total 337 accredited journalists (including new and old) under health insurance.
As a result, the journalists will be able to take treatment services from different well-known hospitals of the country. He informed, accreditation cards have been provided to 189 new journalists. Besides, renewed accreditation cards were provided to 141 journalists and accreditation cards were provided to 25 senior journalists. He informed, those whose names have been missed out in the accreditation list may apply for it in the future. He said, the process to provide accreditation cards will continue.
The ICA Minister urged the journalists to make proper use of their accreditation cards and safeguard its dignity. Journalists play an important role in strengthening the democracy. The ICA Minister hoped that the journalists will play appropriate role in further strengthening the state by performing their duties well as the fourth pillar of the Democracy.
The ICA Minister spoke elaborately about the health insurance and informed, the health insurance premium for journalists of 21 to 35 years of age is 5 thousand 595 rupees without GST annually. Out of which, the state government will bear 4 thousand 476 rupees and the journalists will have to pay 1 thousand 119 rupees.
The health insurance premium for journalists of 35 to 45 years of age is 7 thousand 947 rupees without GST annually. Out of which, the state government will bear 6 thousand 358 rupees and the journalists will have to pay 1 thousand 589 rupees. The health insurance premium for journalists of 45 to 55 years of age is 13 thousand 672 rupees without GST annually. Out of which, the state government will bear 10 thousand 938 rupees and the journalists will have to pay 2 thousand 734 rupees.
The health insurance premium for journalists of 55 to 65 years of age is 17 thousand 907 rupees without GST annually. Out of which, the state government will bear 14 thousand 326 rupees and the journalists will have to pay 3 thousand 581 rupees. The ICA Minister had called on the journalists to renew their health insurance every year.
Secretary of ICA department Dr. P. K. Chakraborty said, health insurance for journalists is a huge step taken by the state government. National Insurance Company has taken the responsibility of insurance. The Director of ICA department Ratan Biswas said, the health insurance is completely cashless system. Those who have not yet applied for renewal of their accreditation cards, they may contact ICA department.
