MP govt hikes monthly honorarium for senior journos

Madhya Pradesh Government has decided to increase the 'Shraddha Nidhi' (monthly honorarium) for senior journalists from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 per month.
The photojournalists are also being included in this monthly pension scheme, the Public Relations Minister Narottam Mishra announced in the state assembly today while speaking on the demands of Public Relations Department.
"Shraddha Nidhi for the senior journalists has been increased to Rs 7,000 per month from current Rs 6,000. The age limit for this monthly honorarium scheme is also being reduced to 60-years from current 62," he announced.
The minister said that the photojournalists would also be included in this monthly honorarium scheme.

Mishra said that the medical assistance scheme for the scribes is also being extended for the dependent parents of journalists. Besides, an amount of financial assistance, in case of serious illness, has been increased to Rs one lakh from current limit of Rs 50,000. This amount would directly be deposited in the hospital's account.
The minister informed that non-accredited journalists would also get benefits of Health Insurance Scheme for scribes and the government will share 50 per cent insurance premium amount of such journalists.
Mishra informed that the journalists could also go on the study tours in other states.
"The journalists can also go on the study tours in other states. A scheme for the same would soon be implemented. A journalists' skill development cell would also be set up in the state," he added.