One Time Grant for Media Personality, Assam

Assam Government is newly bringing up a scheme for the media persons in the state. Journalists have an influential impact on the public. Now-a-days consumption of news as a source of information is increased and thus it becomes extremely necessary for the journalists to provide correct and timely news to the public. Also, due to increasing competition the journalists are also required to be creative for increasing their output. They have to be innovative while providing reports/information to the public. They have to depend on the primary, secondary and tertiary sources for information. Thus, realizing the overall needs the government decided to provide a one-time grant of Rs. 50,000 to 20 journalists each year. This will be in recognition of their wonderful performance and will support them in times of need.

Scheme Overview:

List of lunched by Assam Government

Objectives and Benefits:

• The main objective of the scheme is to recognize the outstanding performance of the journalists by the way of giving a one-time grant
• This grant awarded will be of Rs. 50,000
• It will be given to 20 eligible journalists each year
• This scheme aims to support the journalists in times of need
• The financial assistance is also aimed to increase their productivity thereby enabling them to skill up as per current needs
• This scheme will encourage the journalists to work even better and excel in their field
• It will keep up the dignity of the media persons in the state

Eligibility – Qualification and Disqualification:

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Assam state
• He/she must be an accredited or recognized journalist pf Assam state
• Minimum age of the applicant should be 40 years. There is no upper age limit
• He/she should have at least 15 years of experience in the field of journalism
• Applicant should have at least 3 ‘success stories’ of government schemes published in their respective media outlet in last 12 months
• Photojournalists/ video journalists in print and electronic media must submit minimum 3 no. of still photographs/ video/ extensive coverage of certain subject matters beneficial to people in last 12 months
• Permanent/ temporary/ Contractual employee of any government body is not eligible
• Applicant’s affiliation to any political party will be termed as disqualification
• He/she should not have been convicted for any criminal offence
• Annual income of the applicant should mandatory be less than 5 lakhs
• Journalist pension holder is not eligible under this scheme

Application Process:

• Firstly, the candidate is required to visit the official website of the Directorate of Information & Public Relations @ dipr.assam.gov.in

• Then click on the Information and services tab and select Journalists welfare schemes
• Then go through the pdf guidelines available for – One-time grant for media personality
• In the same pdf the application form format is available (annexure 1), fill in the form with details like name, DOB, languages known, bank details, contact details, education and employment details, etc
• Affix a passport sized photo on it and sign the declaration towards the end

• After filling the form, applicant should visit the Office of Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Last gate, Guwahati- 781006
• 3 sets pf duly filled form is to be submitted by the candidate
• Envelope should be superscribed as “Application for One Time Grant for Media Personality”
• Applicant can apply under this scheme only once

Documents Required:

• A brief curriculum Vitae/ CV/ Resume of the applicant
• Education and Employment documents (self-attested)
• Recent passport sized photograph
• Proof of the work (Success stories/ Still photos/videos/documentaries, etc)
• Photocopy of ID card issued by the Media House and DIPR, Assam

Selection Process and Payment:

• Applications received will be processed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assam
• Then the applications will be put forth the selection committee which will be consisting of prominent journalists and senior government officials
• Committee will review the applications and select the journalists
• Decisions of the committee will be final and biding, no further appeal will be entertained
• After selection the selected applicant will have to submit a copy of PAN card and cancelled bank cheque
• Grant of Rs. 50000 will be provided accordingly to each selected journalist
• This payment shall be made from the budgetary allocations for this grant in the current financial year