NEW DELHI: Even journalists not accredited to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and electronic mediapersons, are now entitled of financial help under the Journalists Welfare Fund.

This follows amendment of rules, which also included increasing the ex-gratia payment.

According to Information and Broadcasting Ministry secretary Raghu Menon, an ex-gratia of Rs 500,000 would be paid to the family in the event of the demise of a mediaperson on duty, a maximum of Rs 300,000 would be given for treatment, and Rs 200,000 for injury.

The scheme was formulated in 2001-02 and provided for payment of ex-gratia relief of Rs 100,000 to journalists or to their families in case of death, permanent disability or extreme hardship on account of the journalist's death.

The scheme has been extended with effect from 8 April to cover electronic mediapersons also.

Upto Rs 500,000 would be provided to the family under extreme hardship on account of the journalist's death or permanent disability, he said.