Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that journalism is not merely a means of livelihood, but an important pursuit involving social responsibility, public awareness and nation-building. Sharing his own experiences in journalism, he said that he understands the problems and challenges faced by journalists. Keeping these in mind, the state government is working with a firm commitment to the dignity, sensitivity and welfare of journalists.
Chief Minister announces special discounts under the housing scheme
Sharma announced a special discount of Rs 15 lakh on the total cost of a 3-BHK flat and Rs 12 lakh on the total cost of a 2-BHK flat under Phase I of the housing scheme. He said that housing schemes would also be introduced in other divisions in a phased manner. He further announced that a new housing scheme would be launched in the satellite city being developed near Poonchhari Ka Lautha in Bharatpur.
Sharma launched the special housing scheme for journalists under the Rajasthan Housing Board's Vishisht Panjikaran Yojana-2026 at the Constitutional Club of Rajasthan. He said that in state budget the state government had announced the provision of housing for accredited journalists. In fulfilment of this announcement, registration for flats for journalists had commenced under the Indira Gandhi Nagar Housing Scheme, Sector 9, Jagatpura, Jaipur.
The multi-storey residential project would provide flats equipped with all basic amenities, ensuring a safe and comfortable residential environment for journalists.
He said that journalism rooted in positivity is what truly demonstrate its relevance. Rajasthan's journalistic tradition bore testimony to self-respect and pride. Visionaries such as Vijay Singh Pathik and Pandit Jhabarmall Sharma had contributed significantly to social reform, public awareness and the development of the state.
Important steps taken for journalists' welfare
Sharma said that the state government had undertaken several initiatives for journalists' welfare in just under three years. Relaxations in the age limit and experience requirements for the accreditation of freelance journalists had been introduced, setting the minimum eligibility age at 45 years and the required experience at 15 years. This had benefited 31 press representatives.
Under the pre-matriculation and post-matriculation scholarship schemes, 43 scholarships had been awarded to children of accredited journalists.
He said that Rs 2.15 crore had been paid towards insurance premiums for 1,423 insured journalists under the Rajasthan Journalist Health Scheme (RJHS). Under the Senior Accredited Journalists' Samman Yojana, 462 beneficiaries had been honoured, while assistance had been provided to 24 accredited journalists and their dependants through the Journalists and Litterateurs Welfare Fund.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
