The “Scheme for Grant of Pension Benefits to Journalists” by the Department of Information & Publicity, Puducherry, provides financial support to retired media professionals.
Benefits
- Pension Amount: ₹6,000/- per month.
- Payment Date: 10th of every month via Electronic Clearing System.
- Spouse benefit: 50% of pension in case of the journalist’s death.
Eligibility
- Citizen of India and native of Puducherry (birth or 10+ years residence).
- Aged 58 years or above.
- Minimum 20 years of service as Editor, Reporter, Sub-Editor, Photographer, etc.
- Special Case: Journalists incapacitated by chronic ill-health can apply after 10 years of service regardless of age.
- Must not be receiving other government pensions.
Application Process
Offline
- Step 1: Print the application form.
- Step 2: Fill in all fields and attach documents.
- Step 3: Submit to the Member Secretary-cum-Treasurer at the Department of Information & Publicity.
- Step 4: Receive a unique identifier and acknowledgment.
Documents Required
- Nativity/Residence and Income Certificates (Form-II).
- Birth/Transfer Certificate.
- Experience Certificate (Form-II).
- Medical Certificate (if applying under health grounds).
- Aadhaar Card.
- Annual ‘Life Certificate’ for ongoing benefits.