MP cabinet hikes ex-gratia to kin of deceased journalists

The Madhya Pradesh government Tuesday decided to increase from Rs one lakh to Rs four lakh the ex-gratia to be paid to the kin of accredited journalists in the event of the death of the scribe.

MP Public Relations Minister Narottam Mishra Wednesday said this decision was taken during the meeting of the state cabinet held Tuesday evening.

"The cabinet decided to increase from Rs one lakh to Rs four lakh the amount of ex-gratia to be paid to the kin of accredited journalists in case of the latter's death," he told reporters.

The cabinet also decided to increase the compensation amount given to journalists/cameramen from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 in case of damage to their vehicles or cameras, the minister said.

The state government also decided to give five per cent interest subsidy for a period of five years on housing loan up to Rs 25 lakh to accredited journalists from the current financial year (from April 2018), he said.

"Fulfilling the major demand of the government college teachers, the cabinet also decided to implement the benefits of the Seventh Pay Commission from January 1, 2016," the minister said.

The arrears between January 1, 2016 and August 31, 2018, will be paid in one instalment and deposited in their GPF accounts, he added.

According to Mishra, the cabinet also took several other decisions, including granting of tehsil status to Sleemanabad in Katni district of the state and creation of Kuno National Park.