Meghalaya Cabinet Decision: Financial Aid In Case of Journalist’s Death Raised to Rs 5 Lakh from a Lakh

The cabinet also approved the Meghalaya Health Service Academic Rules, 2024, which aim to operationalize medical colleges in the state.

The Meghalaya Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved several key welfare schemes, including the Meghalaya Journalist Welfare Scheme (MJWS) 2024, which is set to be implemented from December 1. Other approvals included the Meghalaya Health Service Academic Rules, 2024, and the Meghalaya Dental Health Service Rules, 2024.

Addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, Information and Public Relations (IPR) Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the importance of the revised MJWS in addressing long-standing demands of the media fraternity. She announced a significant increase in compensation under the scheme, with financial aid for a journalist’s loss of life raised from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh and support for severe health issues increased from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 3 lakh.

While some components of the scheme remain similar to its earlier version, the government has significantly expanded its scope. Minister Lyngdoh added, “The other components will be disclosed as and when the committee sits for the first time. The committee has been entrusted to decide the modalities of the operation of the MJWS.”

Acknowledging the needs of retired and veteran journalists, Lyngdoh stated, “We are also concerned about registered accredited journalists who require attention and assistance for their invaluable service. The committee will take a call on this, and we are exploring the creation of a support fund for veteran journalists.”

She further revealed that the state government is studying successful models from other states to incorporate best practices. “I hope the press fraternity is jubilant as the long-pending demand from successive governments has finally received Cabinet approval,” Lyngdoh remarked.

The cabinet also approved the Meghalaya Health Service Academic Rules, 2024, which aim to operationalize medical colleges in the state within the stipulated timeframe. Speaking on this, Lyngdoh said that the recruitment process would ensure adequate staffing for the academic and operational requirements of Shillong Medical College.

The government has allocated Rs 16 crore for the initial setup of the Shillong Medical College and reassured that it does not foresee significant complications in its launch. “Efforts are being made simultaneously for Tura Medical College, but no specific timeline has been committed yet,” she added.

In a significant move for dental healthcare, the Meghalaya Dental Health Service Rules aim to streamline recruitment and promotion processes within the sector. This initiative is expected to address gaps and improve the delivery of dental healthcare across the state.

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