Annual allocation for Journalists' Welfare Trust to be increased to Tk 25 crore: State Minister

The government has taken the initiative to increase the annual allocation for the Journalists' Welfare Trust from Tk 6 crore to Tk 25 crore. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasher Khan Chowdhury said a letter has already been sent to the Ministry of Finance to increase the allocation to this amount.

He said this in response to a question from journalists after a meeting of the Jamalpur district law and order committee held at the conference room of the Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner's office on Sunday, September 13.

Yasher Khan Chowdhury said, "A letter has been sent to the Ministry of Finance to increase the Tk 6 crore allocated for the Journalists' Welfare Trust to Tk 25 crore. In principle, a decision has been taken to provide Tk 25 crore."

The state minister further noted, "However, whether the full amount can be provided this year is under review. I hope the full amount will be provided next year even if it is not possible this year."

Referring to the scope of welfare work for journalists, he said, "Assistance is being provided from the Journalists' Welfare Trust to journalists outside Dhaka, that is, at the district and upazila levels. Those who seek financial assistance are provided support."

The review meeting was held with Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner Yusup Ali in the chair. Members of Parliament from four parliamentary constituencies of Jamalpur were present at the meeting. Other members of the district law and order committee and senior officials of the local police administration were also present.