Government approves ₹6.15 crore assistance to families of 123 journalists who died of COVID-19

Minister of State for I&B L. Murugan said it was the responsibility of the State to take appropriate action against online harassment of women journalists.

The Centre on February 10 said ₹6.15 crore has been approved as financial assistance to families of 123 journalists who died due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Replying to supplementary questions in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan also said it was the responsibility of the State governments to take appropriate action against online harassment of women journalists.

On the number of journalists who died during the pandemic, he said, “We are very much concerned about the journalists’ welfare. During the pandemic, we conducted a special drive for journalists. Those who lost lives, we want to support their families.” “We received 123 journalists’ proposals. All 123 proposals are accepted and we released ₹6.15 crore amount to the concerned families.”