Financial Assistance under Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme

Introduction

The Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme, launched by the Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Odisha, is a significant step towards ensuring the welfare of working journalists. The scheme provides financial assistance to the legal heirs of journalists in case of death or permanent incapacitation. This article explores the scheme’s benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and more.

---

Key Benefits of the Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme

1. Financial Assistance for Death: Legal heirs of the deceased journalist are eligible for an ex-gratia of ₹4,00,000/-.
2. Assistance for Permanent Incapacitation: Journalists rendered permanently incapacitated receive financial assistance of ₹2,00,000/-.

---

Eligibility Criteria

To avail benefits under this scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Residence and Employment: The journalist must be working in Odisha and associated with a media house registered with the I&PR Department, Odisha.
2. Legal Heir: In cases of death or incapacitation, the applicant must be the legal heir of the journalist.
3. Definition of Permanent Incapacitation: Incapacitation due to accident, disease, or other reasons that render the journalist unfit to work qualifies under the scheme.

---

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The application process is entirely online, making it accessible and straightforward.

Steps to Apply:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to https://owjws.odisha.gov.in/.
2. Initiate Application: Click on ‘Apply for Financial Assistance’.
3. Fill Out Details: Complete the mandatory fields on the ‘Application for Financial Assistance’ page.
4. Submission Confirmation: Upon submission, an application number will be generated for tracking purposes.
5. SMS Notification: The applicant will receive an SMS confirming the successful submission.
6. Login for Updates: Log in using the registered mobile number and OTP to check application status.

---

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Aadhaar Card
2. Photograph
3. Income Certificate
4. Accreditation Card (for accredited journalists)
5. Death Certificate (if applicable)
6. Legal Heir Certificate (if applicable)
7. Media Card Copy
8. Bank Passbook Front Page
9. Other relevant documents, as specified

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme?
   • A welfare initiative by the Odisha government providing financial assistance to journalists or their legal heirs in cases of death or incapacitation.
2. Who is eligible for the scheme?
   • Journalists working in Odisha for media houses registered with the I&PR Department and their legal heirs.
3. What is the ex-gratia amount for death?
   • ₹4,00,000/-.
4. How much ex-gratia is provided for permanent incapacitation?
   • ₹2,00,000/-.
5. How is “Permanent Incapacitation” defined?
   • It refers to an inability to work caused by accidents, diseases, or other reasons.
6. Where can I apply?
   • Applications can be submitted online via https://owjws.odisha.gov.in/.

---

Sources and References

• Official Website
• Resolution Document