New Delhi: The Union Government has reaffirmed that both accredited and non-accredited journalists are covered under the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS), a financial assistance programme designed to support media professionals and their families during times of extreme hardship.

Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan said the scheme provides one-time ex-gratia financial relief in cases of death, permanent disability, serious illness and accident-related hospitalization.

456 Media Personnel Benefited

The minister informed Parliament that between 2014-15 and 2025-26, the Centre disbursed ₹19.41 crore under the Journalist Welfare Scheme to 456 journalists, media personnel and their families.

He clarified that the scheme is not restricted to journalists accredited by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). It also extends to journalists accredited by State and Union Territory governments, besides eligible non-accredited journalists, making the welfare programme more inclusive.

Government Ensures Welfare, Healthcare and Accreditation Support for Journalists Through Multiple Initiatives

➔The Government implements the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS) to provide one-time ex-gratia relief on urgent basis to journalists/media personnel or to their families… pic.twitter.com/ONwgxgSLRc

— PIB India (@PIB_India) August 5, 2026

Support During Medical and Financial Distress

The Journalist Welfare Scheme is intended to provide immediate financial assistance in exceptional circumstances. Under the current guidelines, eligible journalists or their families can receive ex-gratia support in cases of death, permanent disability, treatment for life-threatening illnesses and accident-related hospitalization.

The scheme covers major medical conditions, including cancer, kidney failure, heart surgery and brain haemorrhage, subject to the prescribed eligibility criteria. It serves as a humanitarian relief measure rather than a routine compensation programme.

CGHS Benefits for PIB-Accredited Journalists

Dr. Murugan also informed the House that journalists accredited by the Press Information Bureau are entitled to healthcare facilities under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

The benefits extend to accredited journalists and their eligible family members, enabling treatment at government hospitals and CGHS-empanelled private hospitals across the country at notified CGHS rates.

1,786 Journalists Hold PIB Accreditation

The Press Information Bureau, which grants accreditation to journalists covering the National Capital Region, currently has 1,786 accredited journalists, according to the minister.

The government’s clarification comes amid growing discussions on strengthening social security and welfare measures for journalists, particularly those working outside the formal accreditation system.