Agartala, Jan 17, 2023, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala, Jan 17: Tripura government has issued accreditation cards to more 189 working journalists, Minister for information and Cultural Affairs Sushanta Chowdhury said.

He symbolically handed over accreditation cards to some of the journalists at the civil secretariat on Tuesday.

The ICA Minister in the programme said, the ICA department is committed towards providing accreditation cards to more journalists; the process would continue.

In his interaction with the media, the ICA minister said, the total number of accredited journalists now reached 337 including 25 veteran and distinguished journalists.

Meanwhile, he also said, the state government already started a process for providing health insurance to all the accredited working journalists. Under this scheme, the insured scribe would get medical benefit up to Rs.3 lakh annually.

The ICA Minister spoke elaborately about health insurance and informed, the health insurance premium for journalists of 21 to 35 years of age is Rs. 5,595 without GST annually. Out of which, the state government would bear Rs. 4,476 and the journalists would have to bear Rs. 1,119.

In the 35 to 45 years age group, the premium is Rs. 7,947 without GST annually. Out of which, the state government would bear Rs. 6,358 and the journalists would have to bear Rs. 1,589. The premium for the journalists of 45 to 55 years of age is Rs. 13, 672 without GST annually. Out of which, the state government would bear Rs. 10,938 and the journalists would have to pay Rs. 2,734.

In the age group of 55 to 65 years, the health insurance premium is Rs. 17,907 without GST annually. Out of which, the state government would bear Rs. 14,326 and the journalists have to pay Rs. 3,581, Chowdhury said.

The ICA Minister appealed to the journalists to renew their health insurance every year for availing the health benefit.

Secretary of ICA department Dr. P. K. Chakraborty, Director Ratan Biswas were also present in the press conference.