Phulbani,Aug18(Sunil Patnaik):Strong resentment has surfaced over the current government’s reported move to discontinue the long-running Gopabandhu Insurance Scheme for journalists—implemented by the previous government—and merge it into the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.Demanding that the Gopabandhu Insurance Scheme not be discontinued under any circumstances, a delegation led by Press Club President Sunil Patnaik met with the State Minister for Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines, Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, and submitted a memorandum. The delegation also demanded an immediate renewal of the scheme, as its validity period is nearing expiration. They warned that if the government attempts to implement this change, a state-wide agitation will follow, for which the government alone will be held responsible. Minister Jena assured them that the matter would be duly considered.Among others present during the discussion were:General Secretary: Trinath SahuWorking President: Prasanta BeheraJoint Secretary: Ramesh Chandra PradhanSenior Journalist: Santosh DigalVice President: Sujit BeheraMembers: Aditya Prasad Tripathy, Sadashiv Patra, Shiba Nayak, Lalit Nayak, Prasanta Kumar Jena, Kanha Patnaik, and Biswa Ranjan SamantarayEarlier, Minister Jena was felicitated by the Press Club with a flower bouquet and a ceremonial shawl (uttariya). Additionally, another memorandum was submitted requesting financial assistance to complete the construction of the Press Club’s additional building. Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena assured that financial support would be provided through CSR funds.
