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Social welfare & Empowerment; Skills & Employment

Journalists’ Family Benefit Fund

The Tamil Development, Religious Endowments, and Information Department scheme was launched by the "Journalists’ Family Benefit Fund". The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to families of journalists who died in harness with a minimum of 20 years of service as editor, sub-editor, reporter.

Authority

State/ UT

Region

Tamil Nadu

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Financial Assistance: | - ₹50,000/- for 5 years of service. | - ₹1,00,000/- for 10 years of service. | - ₹1,50,000/- for 15 years of service. | - ₹2,00,000/- for 20 years of service.

Who can apply

The deceased should have been an editor/sub-editor/reporter/photographer and proofreader.; The benefit of the scheme will be given only on the death of the journalist while working in Journalism.; The editor, sub-editor, journalist, and photographer should have worked full-time in a newspaper or daily periodicals published in Tamil Nadu.; In case of sudden death due to an accident or fatal disease, five years of service is mandatory.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What is the Journalists’ Family Benefit Fund?

The Journalists' Family Benefit Fund provides financial assistance to the families of journalists who die while in service.

Who is eligible for this fund?

Families of journalists who die while working full-time in Tamil Nadu as editors, sub-editors, journalists, photographers, or proofreaders in newspapers or periodicals published in Tamil Nadu are eligible.

What are the service requirements for eligibility?

The deceased journalist must have had a minimum of five years of service, with higher benefits for longer service periods.

What is the financial assistance amount based on years of service?

[?]50,000 for 5 years of service, [?]1,00,000 for 10 years of service, [?]1,50,000 for 15 years of service, [?]2,00,000 for 20 years of service.

What documents are required to apply for the fund?

Death Certificate, Heirship Certificate, Certificates related to post and place of employment, Domicile Certificate, Nomination certificate from a Journalist Association, Police or Medical Certificate in case of accidental or disease-related death, Two passport-size photographs of the applicant and the deceased journalist, Two completed application forms with relevant certificates.

How should the application be submitted?

The application should be sent to the Director, News Public Relations Department, Headquarters, Chennai-600 009.

Is there a specific format for the Death Certificate?

Yes, it must be issued by the Municipality or Corporation.

Who can recommend the application?

The application must be recommended by a Journalist Association in Tamil Nadu.

Can the fund be availed for part-time journalists?

No, the fund is only available for full-time working journalists.

Is there an interest income generated for this scheme?

Yes, the Government deposited a sum of Rupees One Crore with Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation, which yields an interest used to fund the scheme.

How many families have benefited from this scheme so far?

As of the latest update, 43 families have benefited from the scheme.

Can the family of a journalist who died after retirement apply for this fund?

No, the fund is specifically for journalists who die while still actively working in their profession.