Journalists play a crucial role in society as they serve as the guardians of truth and provide an essential check on power. They are dedicated professionals who gather, investigate, and report news and information to the public through various media platforms. However, journalism can be a challenging profession. Journalists often face risks, including threats to their safety, harassment, and censorship. Despite these challenges, many journalists remain dedicated to their profession, driven by a commitment to the principles of journalism and the pursuit of truth. The Odisha government acknowledges this and therefore, it has launched Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana for the welfare of journalists of Odisha.
What is Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana 2023?
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana is a scheme launched by the government of Odisha. It is a health insurance scheme that covers the medical expenses of the journalists and their eligible family members. Under the ‘Odisha Working Journalists Welfare Scheme’, an ex-gratia of Rs. 4 Lakhs will be provided to the legal heir of the working journalist in case of his/her death, and Rs. 2 Lakhs in case of permanent incapacitation. This scheme also covers the “News Hawkers”. The government of Odisha has announced the “News Hawkers” as Organized Sector Workers. The Information and Public Relations Department has issued Identity Cards to them.
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Key Highlights
Let’s look at the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Key Highlights in the table below.
| Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana 2023 Key Highlights | |
| Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Launch Date | May 06, 2021, |
| Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Objective | To provide a Health Insurance scheme for working journalists. |
| Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Official Website | Click Here |
| Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Web Portal Launch Date | July 07, 2023, |
| Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Beneficiaries | Working Journalists of Odisha |
| Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana financial assistance | Rs. 4 Lakhs to the legal heir of the working journalist in case of his/her death. Rs. 2 Lakhs in case of permanent incapacitation. Rs 5 Lakh (Medical Expenses of the journalist and his family members) |
| Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Under which Ministry | Information & Public Relation Department, Govt. of Odisha |
| Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Helpline Number | Click Here |
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana 2023 In News | What’s New?
On July 18, 2023, Odisha CM decided to increase the health coverage of the journalists and their family members from 2 lakhs to 5 lakhs. This significant increase has been done keeping today’s expenses in mind. This scheme has been widely appreciated among the journalists community and this move has elated them more.
On July 07, 2023, the chief minister of Odisha launched the web portal of Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana or Odisha Working Journalists Welfare Scheme. Under this portal, the working journalist can apply for the Odisha Working Journalists Welfare Scheme. In case of a working journalist’s death, a portal that provides financial assistance has also launched. The Odisha government has also acknowledged the hard work that “News Hawkers” does while going door to door services. The government of Odisha has decided to include them in “ Organised Workers”.
Please Note:
In case you are a beneficiary or covered under BIJU SWASTHYA KALAYAN YOJANA or any other Central Scheme, you will not be eligible for this Odisha Working Journalists Welfare Scheme.
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Benefits
The Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana is a health insurance scheme implemented by the government of Odisha, India, specifically designed for journalists. This scheme offers several benefits to journalists and their families. Some of the key benefits of the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana include:
- Health Insurance Coverage: Under the scheme, journalists and their families are provided with health insurance coverage. This coverage includes expenses related to hospitalization, treatment, surgeries, and other medical procedures.
- Cashless Treatment: Journalists can avail cashless medical treatment at empanelled hospitals and healthcare facilities. This eliminates the need for upfront payment, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for journalists and their families.
- Wide Network of Hospitals: The scheme has a network of recognized hospitals and healthcare centers where journalists can seek medical treatment. These empanelled hospitals are equipped to provide quality healthcare services.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The health insurance coverage includes a wide range of medical services, such as doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, and post-hospitalization care. This ensures that journalists have access to comprehensive healthcare facilities.
- Financial Protection: The scheme offers financial protection to journalists by covering the medical expenses that can often be expensive and burdensome. It provides a safety net against unforeseen healthcare costs, ensuring that journalists and their families can receive necessary medical treatment without financial stress.
- Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: The scheme also covers pre-existing medical conditions, ensuring that journalists with pre-existing health issues receive the necessary medical care and treatment.
- Family Coverage: The benefits of the scheme extend to the immediate family members of journalists, including spouses and children, providing them with access to quality healthcare services.
- Financial Assistance : Under the ‘Odisha Working Journalists Welfare Scheme’, an ex-gratia of Rs. 4 Lakhs will be provided to the legal heir of the working journalist in case of his/her death, and Rs. 2 Lakhs in case of permanent incapacitation. At the time of COVID-19, Rs 15 Lakhs were given to the journalist’s family at their death.
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply for the Odisha Working Journalists Welfare Scheme, it is essential to know the eligibility criteria for the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana. The general eligibility criteria for journalists to avail benefits under the Odisha Working Journalists Welfare Scheme scheme are as follows:
- Journalist Profession: The scheme is typically open to working journalists who are actively engaged in news reporting or editorial work for recognized media organizations. This includes journalists working in print, electronic, and digital media.
- Must be a Permanent Resident: The scheme is typically available to journalists who are permanent residents of Odisha. Proof of residency, such as a valid residential address or identification documents, may be required.
- Accreditation: Journalists may need to possess valid accreditation from the Information & Public Relations (I&PR) Department of the Odisha government or a recognized media organization.
- Must not be a part of BKSY or any other Central Government scheme : It should be noted that, the web portal won’t allow you to fill the Odisha Working Journalists Welfare Scheme application form if you are a part of BKSY or any other Central Government scheme.
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Documents Required
You must keep all the documents handy in order to avail of benefits under the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana. The following documents are typically required for the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana.
For Odisha-based Journalists
- Identity Proof: Valid identification documents such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, or Passport.
- Address Proof: Documents that establish the residential address of the journalist, such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, or utility bills (electricity/water bill).
- Accreditation Certificate: A valid accreditation certificate issued by the Information & Public Relations (I&PR) Department of the Odisha government or a recognized media organization.
- Proof of Profession: Documents that prove the journalist’s professional engagement, such as a work ID card, press card, employment letter, or appointment letter from a recognized media organization.
- Residence Certificate: Proof of permanent residency in Odisha, which can be in the form of a residential certificate issued by the local government authority.
- Bank Account Details: The journalist’s bank account details, including the account number and IFSC code, to facilitate the receipt of health insurance benefits.
- Passport-size Photograph: Keep at least 4 Recent passport-sized photographs of the journalist.
For Odisha-based Journalists Working in New Delhi for an Odisha-Based Newspaper:
- Recent Photograph.
- Proof of Identity: Birth Certificate, Matric Certificate, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driver’s License (Upload).
- Aadhaar Card.
- Recommendation Letter from the Editor.
- Proof of Address in Delhi.
- Accreditation Certificate (if applicable, for freelance journalists).
- Copy of Dependent Family Member’s Identification.
- Appointment Letter.
- Employee Identity Card.
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Online Registration | How to Apply?
The Government of Odisha has launched the Web Portal “Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana”. In this portal, you can apply for the same to get the benefits. Before filling out the application form for Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana, it is very important to check whether you are eligible for the scheme or not. It is advised to check the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana eligibility criteria as well as the documents required to fill out “The Odisha Working Journalist Welfare Scheme Application ”. Here is the step-by-step process to fill out the application form of the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana.
- Visit the official website and locate the ‘Apply for Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana’ link, which can be found in the bottom-left corner of the page.
- Click on the mentioned link, and a new page titled ‘Application for Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana‘ will appear.
- A POP-UP will appear asking if you are covered under BSKY or any other central scheme. If you have, then unfortunately you will be logged out from the screen as you will be not eligible, otherwise, you will proceed further.
- Journalists need to provide their details in the following sections: ‘Applicant Details,’ ‘Education Details,’ ‘Dependent Family Details,’ and ‘Present Workplace.’ Ensure that you enter the relevant document details as required.
- You will also have to upload your Aadhar Card and Birth Certificate/ Matric Certificate / Voter Card / PAN card / Passport / DL in digital format. Therefore, keep all the documents ready.
- Upon successful submission of the application form, the system will generate an application number, which the journalist should keep for future reference, especially for checking the application status.
- After the form is submitted, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number confirming the successful submission of the application.
- General Instructions for Photograph, Aadhar Card, and ID
- The photograph must be a maximum of 100KB
- Aadhar Card must be a maximum of 2MB
- ID such as Birth Certificate/ Matric Certificate / Voter Card / PAN card / Passport / DL must not exceed 2MB in size.
- After submitting all the information click on “Save and Next”
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana Check Status
Here is the step-by-step process of checking Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana application status.
- In order to access the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana application status and other related information, the applicant can log in using their registered mobile number.
- After entering the mobile number, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the journalist’s mobile number. Upon successful submission of the OTP, the applicant will be able to log in to the application.
- Within the application portal, the applicant can conveniently check the status of their submitted application.
Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana FAQs
I am a freelance journalist, am I eligible for the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana?
Yes, as a freelance journalist you can apply for this scheme, however, you need to upload the “Accreditation Certificate” along with uploading other documents in the application form. You also have to mention that your accreditation is with the State government or Central Government.
In case of death, how much will the family of the journalist get under Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana?
In case of death, a total amount of Rs 4 Lakh will be given to the legal heir of the journalist.
What is the recommended size of the photograph in Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana application form?
The maximum size to upload a photograph in Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana is 100KB.
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