Odisha Announces Health Insurance for Working Journalists

The Odisha government today announced Rs 2 lakh health insurance for the working journalists across the state besides enhancing minimum advertisement rate for small and medium newspapers. The announcement was made by information and public relations department B K Arukha at the state secretariat here. All the scribes covered under the Odisha State Working Journalists' Health Insurance Scheme-2016 will pay 25% premium for the insurance of Rs 2 lakh per year, Arukha said adding that remaining 75% of the premium will be borne by the state government. Arukha, however, said the government will deposit its share of premium after receipt of a certificate from the employer stating that the journalist concerned is an employee and his/her name is in the pay roll of the media organisation. Replying to a question, the minister said the notification issued in this regard today will come into force on the date of publication in the Odisha Gazettee.