Phulbani,Aug24(Sunil Pattnaik):The demand to maintain the special benefits of the long-running Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana (Gopabandhu Journalist Health Insurance Scheme) for journalists has intensified. Concerns have arisen among journalists in the Kandhamal district over reports that this dedicated arrangement might be merged with general health schemes or undergo structural changes.Against this backdrop, office bearers, senior journalists, and members of various press associations operating in the district gathered on Sunday at the District Press Club in Phulbani. Under the leadership of senior journalist and District Press Club President Sunil Pattnaik and Working President Prashant Kumar Behera, a decision was taken to form a joint forum and launch a collective protest to demand occupational safety and the continuation of health insurance benefits. Office bearers, senior members, and journalists from all press associations across the district attended the meeting to share their inputs.Journalists emphasized that the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana is not merely a standard insurance cover, but a crucial component of the state’s journalist welfare framework. It is particularly vital for freelance and low-salaried journalists operating with limited resources in district and rural areas.Representatives from various associations warned that any alterations to this scheme would adversely affect:Current insurance coverage limitsBenefits provided to family membersCashless treatment facilitiesEmpaneled hospital networksMedical claim settlement processesJournalist associations stated that long-standing special welfare benefits must not be diluted, and the rights of journalists must remain fully protected.The meeting featured detailed discussions regarding the status of the health insurance scheme, the potential impact of proposed changes, journalists’ rights, and future courses of action. The newly formed joint forum resolved to hold a mass rally and demonstration involving all district journalists in Phulbani on Wednesday, September 23. Furthermore, a memorandum will be submitted to the Chief Minister/Governor through the district administration.Journalists have urged the government to engage in discussions with press associations to formulate a transparent, journalist-friendly policy on this sensitive issue. They demanded that all existing health insurance benefits be preserved intact, with priority given to the interests of freelance and district-level journalists.Key attendees at the meeting included journalists Sujit Kumar Behera, Ranjan Pradhan, Ashok Mohanty, Manoj Gouda, Trinath Sahoo, Santosh Digal, Surya Narayan Behera, Ajit Kumar Maharana, Prabhat Nanda, among others.
