Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently designated the state's active journalists as frontline COVID-19 responders. This formal declaration was made under the Odisha government's Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana 2026. This initiative is set to provide benefits to more than 6,500 media professionals across the state.
What is the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana 2026
The Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana serves as a dedicated health insurance program for working journalists. Participants in this scheme receive an annual insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh. This policy allows for cashless medical services at both government and private medical facilities, enabling journalists to access free care via their official health insurance card.
Furthermore, the Odisha government has authorized a Rs. 15 lakh ex-gratia payment for the families of journalists who pass away due to COVID-19 while on duty. Launched on June 1, 2018, the program initially supported 3,233 media members, but coverage has since expanded to include 6,944 working journalists across the state.
Key Highlights of the Odisha Journalist Health Insurance Scheme
The primary benefits and provisions of this insurance scheme for Odisha's media community are outlined below:
- The scheme functions as a social welfare program specifically for the state's media professionals.
- While the first phase covered 3,233 journalists, the scope has now increased to support 6,500 individuals.
- Every active journalist is entitled to an annual health insurance coverage limit of Rs. 2 lakh.
- The insurance policy covers the journalist along with up to 5 family members.
- The program has been active since its inception on June 1, 2018.
- Participants can avail of cashless treatment options at designated public and private hospitals.
- Coverage extends to various illnesses and workplace-related injuries sustained during professional duties.
This initiative was established to protect journalists from the financial burden of health issues encountered while reporting. Recognizing that media personnel work in challenging environments to uncover the truth and inform the public, the state government has re-emphasized its commitment through this health insurance program.
About Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das
- The scheme is named in honor of Gopabandhu Das, a renowned reformer, social activist, journalist, and poet from Odisha.
- His immense contributions to art, culture, and society led to him being titled "Utkalmani," meaning the Jewel of Odisha.
- He was the founder of the "Satyabadi" magazine and is highly regarded for his impactful, albeit brief, career in journalism.
Other States Recognizing Journalists as Frontline Staff
Several other regions have granted frontline status to journalists, including Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Importance of Frontline Status for Media Personnel
Designating journalists as frontline workers prioritizes them for vaccinations during the initial phase of India's COVID-19 immunization drive. This phase primarily includes healthcare staff, essential frontline workers, and citizens over the age of fifty. Other categories currently classified as frontline workers include home guards, military personnel, prison staff, municipal employees, and civil defense volunteers.
A journalist delegation recently met with Chief Minister Nave