PIB Journalist Benefits Guide
NMC Press Facility
PIB Accredited Journalists can avail of the press facility at the National Media Centre (NMC). There are workstations with desktops and internet facilities to file the stories. There are also newspapers
Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Benefits
Health Coverage
Journalists accredited with the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and their dependent family members receive health benefits on a cost-recovery basis. For the year 2024, the annual cost is Rs. 1,067 per person.
Healthcare Access
Accredited journalists are entitled to:
- Outpatient Department (OPD) treatment at designated dispensaries.
- Nursing home facilities in Central Government Hospitals
- Treatment aligned with the conditions applicable to Central Government servants
Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Benefits
Health Coverage
Journalists with PIB accreditation enjoy special access to most government buildings and ministries, with some restrictions:
- Excluded: South Block (Prime Minister’s Office and Defence Ministry)
- Finance Ministry: Entry only with a prior appointment (since July 12, 2019)
Journalist Welfare Scheme
Eligibility
The scheme supports journalists in critical situations, with eligibility based on:
- Accreditation with PIB at Government of India or State/UT headquarters.
- Non-accredited journalists with at least five continuous years of professional experience.
Journalist Welfare Scheme
Death Support
Maximum Assistance: Up to Rs 5 lakh for the journalist’s family in extreme hardship.
Permanent Disability
Maximum Assistance: Up to Rs 5 lakh for journalists rendered incapable of earning a livelihood.
Major Medical Treatment
Maximum Assistance: Up to Rs 3 lakh for serious medical conditions including:
- Cancer
- Renal failure
- Heart ailments (Bypass/open heart surgery, angioplasty)
- Brain hemorrhage
- Paralytic attack
Accident Injuries
Maximum Assistance: Up to Rs. 2 lakh for serious injuries requiring hospitalization.
Important Notes
- Assistance is subject to medical expenses not being covered by CGHS or other insurance schemes
- For non-accredited journalists:
- Assistance is limited to Rs 1 lakh for first 5 years
- Additional Rs. 1 lakh for every subsequent 5 years
- Age limit of 65 years (with potential committee discretion)
Payment Details
- Payments transferred only to Aadhar-seeded bank accounts.
- Funded through annual budgetary allocations.
- Final approval at the discretion of the review committee.
How to Apply
Interested journalists should submit their proposals to the Principal Director General (Media & Communication), Press Information Bureau, with supporting documents for review.
Download PDF form: https://pib.gov.in/
*Disclaimer: Benefits and conditions are subject to change. Always verify current guidelines with the official PIB resources.
Railway Concession
**Note:** The previously available 50% discount on train fares for accredited journalists was suspended after the March 2020 lockdown and has not been restored.