Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) announced a series of benefits for journalists in Sikkim during the foundation day celebration of the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS).
Highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting the press, Chief Minister Golay revealed that the Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department will provide an annual grant to celebrate PCS Foundation Day. This celebration will feature prestigious awards, including the Kanchenjunga Kalam Puraskar, which carries a cash prize of Rs 1,01,000, and the Lagansheel Yuwa Patrakar award with a prize of Rs 51,000.
In a significant step towards the welfare of journalists, Golay announced that a portion of the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant (CMDG) fund will be allocated for journalist pensions. The Press Club of Sikkim will establish the criteria for these pensions, ensuring support for deserving members of the journalistic community.
To address the health and well-being of journalists, the Chief Minister outlined plans for health insurance coverage for PCS members. The state government will facilitate discussions between the Central Referral Hospital (CRH) Manipal and the IPR Department to finalize the insurance arrangements.
Additionally, the Chief Minister assured a revision of advertisement rates for both daily and weekly newspapers, meeting a long-standing demand of the local media fraternity. This revision aims to provide better financial support and sustainability for local publications.