PANAJI
The Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) has submitted its list of demands to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during a pre-budget consultation meeting held at Mantralaya in Porvorim on Friday.
The GUJ delegation led by president Rajtilak Naik, treasurer Amresh Parab, organising secretary Upendra Naik and executive committee member Loukik Shilkar explained the demands in detail before handing over the list to the Chief Minister.
The demands include: Pension “ Goa State Journalist Welfare Fund: GUJ has requested the state government to raise the journalist’s monthly pension amount from Rs.10,000/-pm to Rs.15,000/-pm. Considering rising costs and contribution of journalists to society, an increase to Rs. 15,000 per month would provide much-needed financial security to retired media professionals.
Housing: GUJ has proposed the introduction of a dedicated housing scheme for working journalists under the Chief Minister’s Patrakar Aawas Yojana. A provision of subsidised loans (3% to 4% interest subvention) up to Rs. 25 lakh for the purchase or construction of houses/plots has been proposed.
Ex-Gratia Scheme: GUJ requested the revival of the Ex-Gratia scheme for working journalists with an enhanced amount of Rs. 10 lakh to support bereaved families. Previously, the scheme provided financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh to the family in the unfortunate event of the death of a journalist.
Go Green “ EV Car Scheme: While the State Government has introduced a scheme enabling working journalists to purchase EV bikes, GUJ requested that this benefit be extended to include EV cars with an appropriate enhancement in subsidy.
The Chief Minister has assured GUJ that the demands will be fulfilled.
