State issues notification for pension to journalists

Kolkata: In a historic decision, the Mamata Banerjee government has issued a notification regarding provision of pension to journalists above 60 years, who have been in the profession for at least 15 years.

The notification in this regard was issued on March 29, fulfilling the expectation that lay unnoticed for a very long time.

The scheme shall be applicable to all the journalists of the state who have attained at least 60 years of age and have retired from regular employment as a journalist/photo-journalist/correspondent/camera person (news) and journalists engaged in news production, on the date of his application and does not draw any pension from any other source (except under Employees Provident Fund and/or covered under any other personal pension scheme, for which he/she had made contribution personally) and does not receive any regular salary/emoluments from any organisation.

The rate of pension – a monthly amount of Rs 2,500, shall be extended to the scribes eligible as per this scheme, but shall not be extended to the family members of the journalists concerned.

Kolkata Press Club has expressed its gratitude towards Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for taking this step and fulfilling the long-awaited demand of the journalists.

President of Kolkata Press Club Snehashis Sur and Secretary Kingshuk Pramanik termed the initiative as "respect and responsibility of the state on democracy".

In a bid to support journalists in applying for the same, the Press Club has organised a seminar on Tuesday. It will be held at the Press Club itself.

In a seminar at the Press Club on Friday, former presidents and secretaries and the executive committee members have expressed their gratitude towards the Chief Minister and her government for introducing the scheme.