State to Extend Financial Assistance to Deceased Scribes’ Kin
Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy disburses aid, promises Indiramma houses and new Press Academy building by May-end
Hyderabad: Reiterating the state government’s commitment to the welfare of journalists, information and public relations minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Friday extended financial assistance to the families of deceased journalists.
The minister announced that Indiramma houses will be allotted to all eligible journalists. He stated that special priority will be given to journalists from rural areas who are economically disadvantaged, as well as to families of journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The minister distributed cheques to the families of deceased journalists and to journalists who are unable to work due to serious illness or accidents, at an event held at the Press Academy in Nampally on Friday.
Srinivas Reddy said that a special action plan will be developed to support journalists working at the mandal and assembly constituency levels. He praised journalists for serving society fearlessly by conveying the truth and highlighting good deeds, calling them “gems” in their field. He acknowledged that many have dedicated their entire lives to the profession of journalism.
He said the new Press Academy building, which had been left incomplete by the previous BRS government, will be completed with minor repairs and inaugurated by the end of May.
He noted that the Rs 42 crore sanctioned by the state government has been placed in a fixed deposit, and the interest earned is being used by the Academy for journalists’ welfare. So far, Rs 22 crore has been spent on welfare based on the interest generated. Financial assistance amounting to Rs 1 lakh each has been provided to 597 families of deceased journalists.
A monthly pension of Rs 3,000 for up to five years, and a tuition fee of Rs 1,000 per month for up to two children studying from Class 1 to 10, has been given. A total of ₹8.98 crore has been disbursed under this scheme so far, he said.
Khammam MP Ramasahayam Raghurama Reddy highlighted the critical role journalists play in society, delivering information to the public regardless of personal risk. He lauded their dedication, especially during recent tensions between two countries, where people eagerly awaited updates.
Press Academy chairman K. Srinivas Reddy requested that Indiramma houses be provided to eligible journalists and that funding for journalists’ welfare be increased. I&PR commissioner T. Vinay Krishna Reddy Telangana Union of Working Journalists (TUWJ) state president Virahat Ali attended the meeting.
