Jharkhand: BJP government to pay reporters to write about welfare-schemes

To note, the decision to 'reward' journalists comes at a time when the state is looking to enter polls in a matter of months.

The Jharkhand government's desire to honor local journalism notwithstanding, the timing of this 'initiative' just ahead of the crucial Assembly elections is, at best, arguable.

Naturally, Opposition parties and leaders have come forward to criticize the scheme.

As per the newspaper advertisement, participating journalists were required to apply for the scheme with their selected topics/subjects by September 16.

As the next step, a selection committee will choose 30 reporters, who shall be allotted one month's time to conduct reportage on the selected topics.

Subsequently, the reporters shall be paid up to Rs. 15,000 per article/TV clip.

Despite denials from the state's press fraternity, the BJP administration maintains that the step was driven by demands of the journalists.

"The government hasn't taken this initiative on its own. Several journalists had been asking for such a scheme for a long time. If journalists demand something from government, then the government always tries to fulfill their demands," BJP spokesperson Deendayal told The Print.

Meanwhile, Congress has criticized the timing of the decision.

"If the BJP government takes any decision for the welfare of mediapersons, the Congress will extend full support. But the timing of these rewards just before the Assembly elections is quite questionable," said Congress spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad.

"Everybody is fully aware about the dismal condition of mediapersons under the BJP regime," he added.