TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The state cabinet on Wednesday approved a financial assistance scheme for journalists for purchase of laptops, computers and cameras. Titled as ‘Goa scheme for assistance for purchase of laptop/camera for journalists, 2013’, it provides for a combination of loan for purchase of either a laptop, I-pad, or PC tablet or camera or for a grant of the same at a subsidized rate, based on years of service.
“Keeping in mind the needs of the journalist in an environment where technology is crucial, the state government has announced this scheme, so that it becomes convenient for such journalists to have easier access to what has today become the basic technology in their profession,” the scheme postulates.
Announcing the scheme, Chief Minister Manohar Parikar said that print journalists who have completed more than eight years of service and photo journalists who have completed more than 10 years in service are entitled for a grant based on seniority.
“This category people would be entitled for a subsidy of Rs 50,000 ( journalists) on deposit of Rs 5000 while Rs 1.50 lakh (photo journalist) on payment of Rs 25, 000,” Parrikar said.
Journalist who have completed between five to eight years of service and the photojournalist, who have completed between five to 10 years, are entitled to an interest subsidy for a loan of upto Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh for photo journalists.
Parrikar said that there is also a provision for creation of a special fund to be operated as PLA account by transferring 25 percent of deposit received which shall be used for approval of distress cases.
“If there are any doubts or modifications required, then the same should be submitted within a fortnight,” he said adding ‘the same modality would be used while implementing other schemes for journalists including housing scheme’.
A committee under the chairmanship of director of information has been constituted to scrutinize and sanction the applications.
