The Ms Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal government on Friday rolled out a pension scheme for accredited journalists of the state.
The scheme would cover all accredited journalists, photojournalists, cameramen and freelance journalists as well, Ms Banerjee announced at the Writers’ Buildings here today. Three per cent of the pension fund being created for this purpose would be earmarked for disabled persons.
The monthly payout under the scheme would be Rs 2500. However, pension from any other source would disqualify a retiree from this scheme which is being called ‘Journalists Benevolent Fund’.
The pension scheme announced by the previous government just ahead of the elections last year had not become effective, she said and added, “I prepare a scheme and roll it out just prior to the polls- -- no, that is not on.”
The state government would set up a committee headed by the state’s director information and culture department for the selection of eligible persons. The beneficiary should have to be of 60 years age with a valid government press accreditation card for 10-years, she said.