Manipur govt. extends financial assistance to journalists

Our Correspondent
Imphal, July 17 (EMN): Manipur government provided financial assistance and ex-gratia to three working journalists under the Manipur State Journalists Welfare Scheme (MSJWS) of DIPR on Saturday.

The two journalists, who received financial assistance for their medical treatment under the MSJWS are Thingbaijam Dhamen, Imphal Correspondent of Nagaland Post and Chongtham Meghabarna, Editor of Paonilkhon, an evening newspaper. Dhamen received a cheque of INR 57,057 while Meghabarna received 1 lakh. A cheque of INR 2 lakh as ex-gratia was also handed to the representative of The Aja, a local vernacular from Ukhrul to be given to Leishiwon Shaiza, w/o late Thotshang Shaiza, Correspondent of The Aja. Thotshang, former president of the Ukhrul journalists association, passed away due to Covid-19 complications on June 12.

So far, 21 media persons have availed financial assistance under the MSJWS, which was launched by the chief minister, N Biren Singh on June 30, 2017 as part of an important programme of his government’s 100 day’s achievement. The Scheme is constituted under DIPR, government of Manipur and is administered by a Committee that reserves the right to reject or accept any application without assigning any reasons to the applicants. Assistance is extended depending on the Committee’s satisfaction regarding the eligibility/merits of the cases and the financial resources available for the purpose. A journalist is eligible for relief from the scheme provided that he/she is a citizen of India, is an ordinary resident of Manipur and is accredited to the govt. of Manipur. Journalists, who are not presently accredited to the government, are eligible for relief from the scheme if they have been journalists as defined under the guidelines for a minimum period of ten continuous years.