Northeast Desk, 22nd July: In a landmark announcement on the foundation day of the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS), Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang unveiled a series of significant benefits aimed at supporting and recognizing journalists in the state.
Chief Minister Golay announced that the Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department will sanction an annual grant to celebrate the Press Club of Sikkim Foundation Day. This celebration will feature cash awards, including Rs 1,01,000 for the recipient of the Kanchenjunga Kalam Puraskar and Rs 51,000 for the Lagansheel Yuwa Patrakar award.
Additionally, Golay revealed that a grant from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant (CMDG) fund will be allocated for the pensions of journalists, with the criteria for eligibility to be determined by the Press Club of Sikkim.
To ensure the health and well-being of journalists, Golay announced plans to provide health insurance coverage for Press Club of Sikkim members. A meeting will be arranged between the Central Referral Hospital (CRH) Manipal and the IPR Department to finalize the insurance arrangements.
The Chief Minister also committed to revising the occasional advertisement rates for both daily and weekly newspapers, addressing a long-standing demand of the local media fraternity.
These measures highlight the state government’s dedication to supporting journalism and acknowledging the critical role of the media in society.