RNS: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting constituted a Committee on Thursday to review the existing guidelines of Journalist Welfare Scheme and make appropriate recommendations for changes to the guidelines.
The committee will be headed by Prasar Bharati Board Member Ashok Kumar Tandon. The committee will have nine Members from different print and electronics media and an Additional Director General of PIB as members. Director (IP) in the Ministry will be Convener of the committee. It will examine the need for revision of quantum of ex-gratia payment in death as well as other cases under Journalist Welfare Scheme.
The committee will look into the aspect of differentiation or parity between accredited and non-accredited journalists for availing benefits under the scheme.
It will revise and broad-basing the definition of working journalist for the purpose of the Scheme keeping in view the Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Condition Code-2010 as well as Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code ) Rules, 2021.
The committee will submit its recommendation within two months. Press Information Bureau will provide secretarial assistance for convening the meeting of committee.