The West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists, administered by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, provides eligible retired journalists with a monthly pension of ₹5,000, increased from ₹2,500 with effect from 1 September 2026. Accredited and non-accredited journalists aged 60 years or older who meet the prescribed service and financial conditions, including the monthly income limit of ₹10,000, can apply by submitting a physical application to the Director of Information at Nabanna, Howrah.
West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists |
| Year of Introduction | 2018, with an initial monthly pension of ₹2,500 |
| Revised Monthly Pension | ₹5,000 from 1 September 2026 |
| Implementing Department | Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal |
| Eligible Applicants | Retired journalists, photojournalists, news correspondents and news camerapersons who meet the scheme’s conditions |
| Minimum Age | 60 years on the date of application |
| Work Experience | At least 10 years of relevant work experience in West Bengal before retirement |
| Accredited Journalists | At least 10 years of West Bengal Government accreditation |
| Non-Accredited Journalists | At least 15 years of journalism experience and proof of eminence in the profession |
| Monthly Income Limit | Not more than ₹10,000 |
| Other Pension Rules | Other pensions are generally not permitted, except an EPF pension or a personal pension scheme funded by the applicant, subject to the applicable rules |
| Payment Method | Direct bank transfer through RTGS or NEFT |
| Annual Renewal | Every March, with a life certificate, income certificate and other prescribed declarations |
| Family Pension | Not available under the scheme |
| Application Process | Submit the prescribed physical application and supporting documents to the Director of Information at Nabanna, Howrah |
| Official Forms Page | West Bengal Government Forms |
Introduction of West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists: A Brief Insight
Journalists spend years reporting news, covering important events and keeping the public informed. However, many face financial difficulties after retirement when their regular income stops and savings may not be enough to meet daily expenses. The West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists aims to provide monthly financial support to eligible retired journalists and help them manage their expenses in old age.
The scheme was introduced in 2018, offering a monthly pension of ₹2,500. In the State Budget presented on 22 June 2026, the government announced an increase in the pension to ₹5,000 per month. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed the revised amount on 1 September 2026. The Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, administers the scheme and is also responsible for press accreditation.
The main objective is to provide social security to senior journalists who have served in the profession for many years but no longer have a regular source of income. The approved pension is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account every month through RTGS or NEFT.
Eligible retired journalists, photojournalists, news correspondents and news camerapersons can apply, whether they hold government accreditation or not. The pension stops after the pensioner’s death, and the scheme does not provide a family pension. Journalists already receiving the earlier ₹2,500 pension continue to receive it and may be allowed to apply for the revised pension, subject to the department’s rules.
Applicants must be at least 60 years old, ordinarily reside in West Bengal and have at least 10 years of relevant work experience in the State before retirement. Accredited journalists must generally have at least 10 years of government accreditation, while non-accredited journalists need 15 years of experience and proof of their eminence in journalism.
Applicants must also meet the financial conditions. They must not hold regular employment or receive a regular salary, and their monthly income must not exceed ₹10,000. They must not receive another pension, except an EPF pension or a personal pension scheme funded by the applicant, as permitted under the stated conditions.
The application process requires a physical form and supporting documents. Applicants submit their completed application to the Director of Information at Nabanna, Howrah. The State Level Screening Committee reviews eligible applications for recommendation. After approval, pensioners must submit their required annual documents, including a life certificate and income proof, every March to continue receiving payments.
Journalists and their families can also explore the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana, which provides cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh under the stated scheme provisions. Senior citizens may also find support through the Old Age Pension Scheme and the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, subject to their respective eligibility conditions.
Journalists, senior citizens and other residents looking for pension assistance and welfare programmes can explore our List of Welfare Schemes of West Bengal Government page to learn about more initiatives available in the state.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Journalists who spend years gathering news and reporting on public issues may face financial difficulties after retirement. The West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists provides eligible retired journalists with regular monthly financial support. The government has increased the pension to twice the earlier amount to provide greater assistance in old age.
- Monthly pension of ₹5,000 for each eligible retired journalist, increased from ₹2,500
- Revised pension amount applicable from 1 September 2026
- Direct transfer of pension to the beneficiary’s bank account through RTGS or NEFT
- Benefits available to eligible accredited and non-accredited journalists who meet the scheme’s conditions
- Coverage for journalists, photojournalists, news correspondents and news camerapersons
- Pension payments stop upon the pensioner’s death. Any amount due up to that date may be released to the person legally entitled to receive it
- No family pension is provided under the scheme
- Journalists already receiving the earlier ₹2,500 monthly pension continue to receive it and may be permitted to apply for the revised pension, subject to the applicable rules
- Eligible journalists and their families can also access cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh under the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana, announced on 1 September 2026
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists provides financial support to retired journalists who face financial difficulties in old age. Applicants must meet the age, work experience, residency and income requirements. The eligibility criteria also differ for accredited and non-accredited journalists.
- Must be an Indian citizen with a valid Voter ID Card (EPIC) and be ordinarily resident in West Bengal
- Must be at least 60 years old on the date of application
- Must have at least 10 years of work experience in West Bengal as a journalist, photojournalist, news correspondent or news cameraperson involved in news gathering or production before retirement
- Accredited journalists must have held West Bengal Government accreditation for at least 10 years, with or without a break
- Non-accredited journalists must demonstrate their eminence in journalism and prove at least 15 years of professional experience
- Must have retired from regular employment or stopped working regularly as a journalist
- Must not hold regular employment or receive a regular salary or monthly payment from any organisation
- Must not receive a pension from another source, except an EPF pension or a personal pension scheme funded by the applicant
- Must meet the financial hardship requirement, with a monthly income of not more than ₹10,000
- Must not have been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude or serious professional misconduct
Documents Required to be Attached
Applicants for the West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists must provide documents to verify their age, journalism experience, accreditation status and financial eligibility. The document requirements differ for accredited and non-accredited journalists, so applicants should prepare the relevant documents according to their category.
- Application form in the prescribed format, along with a recent self-attested passport-size photograph
- Proof of date of birth confirming that the applicant is 60 years or older
- Self-attested copy of the Press Accreditation Card
- For accredited journalists: proof of accreditation by the Government of West Bengal for at least 10 years, with or without a break, before retirement
- For non-accredited journalists: documents establishing at least 15 years of journalism experience and eminence in the field
- Proof of at least 10 years of work in West Bengal as a journalist, photojournalist, news correspondent or news cameraperson before retirement
- Self-attested copy of the PAN Card
- Self-attested copy of the Voter ID Card (EPIC)
- Bank account details, supported by a cancelled cheque or the first page of the bank passbook
- Income certificate in the prescribed format, signed by a Group-A Government officer, confirming that the applicant’s monthly income does not exceed ₹10,000
- Declaration in Annexure-II (A) for accredited journalists or Annexure-II (B) for non-accredited journalists
- Prescribed declaration confirming that the applicant is not in regular employment and does not receive another pension
- Any additional documents requested by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of West Bengal
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Journalists who want to receive benefits under the West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists must submit a physical application along with the required documents to the Director of Information at Nabanna, Howrah. The application process is offline, so applicants need to complete the form, attach their documents and submit the full set to the concerned authority. Follow the steps below to understand the process from start to finish.
Before You Apply
Step 1: First, check your age. You must be at least 60 years old and must have retired from regular employment or stopped working regularly as a journalist.
Step 2: Check your pension status. You must not receive another pension, except an EPF pension or a personal pension scheme that you funded yourself.
Step 3: Check your monthly income. It must not exceed ₹10,000 to meet the stated financial eligibility condition.
Step 4: Prepare proof of your journalism experience. If you are an accredited journalist, keep your Press Accreditation Card and accreditation records ready. If you are not accredited, prepare documents proving at least 15 years of experience and your eminence in journalism.
Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Obtain the prescribed application form from the Directorate of Information under the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal. You can also check whether the department provides the form for download on its official website.
Step 2: Visit the official forms page of the West Bengal Government to look for the relevant application form and related documents.
Step 3: Fill in your personal details carefully. Include the names of the media organisations you worked for, your years of journalism experience and your retirement date.
Step 4: If you are an accredited journalist, enter your accreditation card number and the period for which you held accreditation. If you are not accredited, provide details of your journalism experience and the supporting information required by the form.
Step 5: Provide the required details about any pension you receive, your monthly income and your financial circumstances. Explain your financial hardship clearly and honestly.
Step 6: Enter your bank details correctly, including the bank name, branch, account number and IFSC code. These details help the department transfer your pension to the correct account.
Step 7: Read the declaration at the end of the form carefully. Sign it and enter the date wherever required. Make sure all the information you provide is accurate.
Step 8: Attach a recent passport-size photograph in the space provided. Follow the form’s instructions for signing or self-attesting the photograph.
Step 9: Obtain your income certificate in the prescribed format. A Group-A Government officer must sign the certificate as required by the scheme.
Step 10: Prepare the required declaration or affidavit under Annexure-II. Use Annexure-II (A) if you are an accredited journalist and Annexure-II (B) if you are a non-accredited journalist.
Step 11: Attach self-attested copies of all the required documents. Arrange them neatly behind the application form and keep a complete photocopy of the submitted application set for your records.
Step 12: Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the Director of Information, Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, Nabanna, Howrah. Before visiting or sending your application, confirm the current submission procedure and office address with the department.
After You Apply
Step 1: The Director of Information or the concerned officials examine your application and documents to check whether you meet the scheme’s conditions.
Step 2: Eligible applications are placed before the State Level Screening Committee. The committee examines the applications and recommends eligible names for approval.
Step 3: The department may verify the information you provided or ask you to produce original documents. Keep your original certificates and records safe until the process is complete.
Step 4: Once the department approves your application, the pension is paid directly to your bank account through RTGS or NEFT. The revised monthly pension amount is ₹5,000, subject to the applicable scheme rules.
Every Year After Approval
Step 1: Obtain a life certificate signed by a Group-A Government officer. You can refer to the Annexure-IV life certificate form for the prescribed format.
Step 2: Submit your life certificate every year in March, along with a fresh income certificate and the required declaration confirming that you are not in regular employment.
Step 3: Provide the required declaration about any other pension you receive. Submit all the documents within the prescribed time, as missing or delayed paperwork may affect the continuation of your pension.
If You Already Get the Old Pension
Step 1: If you already receive the earlier pension of ₹2,500 per month, continue following the instructions issued by the department regarding your existing pension.
Step 2: If you want to move to the revised ₹5,000 monthly pension, contact the Directorate of Information to confirm whether you need to submit a fresh application and which documents you must provide.
Important: Check the application deadline with the Directorate of Information before submitting your form. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Submit all the required documents together and keep an acknowledgement or proof of submission, if available.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Forms and documents of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal
- Annexure-IV life certificate form for pensioners (PDF)
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Department: Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal
- Where to Submit: The Director of Information, Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Nabanna, 325 Sarat Chatterjee Road, Howrah – 711102
- Local Help: District Information and Cultural Office (DICO) of your district
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. The West Bengal Pension Scheme for Journalists provides monthly financial assistance to eligible retired journalists who face financial hardship and meet the scheme’s income and other eligibility conditions.
Ans. The Information and Cultural Affairs Department of the Government of West Bengal manages the scheme.
Ans. The revised pension is ₹5,000 per month, double the earlier amount of ₹2,500.
Ans. The revised pension amount applies from 1 September 2026, according to the information provided.
Ans. Retired journalists, photojournalists, news correspondents and news camerapersons who are at least 60 years old, ordinarily reside in West Bengal and meet the prescribed work experience, income and other eligibility requirements can apply.
Ans. Applicants must have at least 10 years of work experience in West Bengal before retirement. Additional requirements apply depending on whether the applicant is accredited or non-accredited.
Ans. No. Accredited journalists must generally prove at least 10 years of West Bengal Government accreditation, while non-accredited journalists must establish at least 15 years of journalism experience and demonstrate their eminence in the profession.
Ans. The applicant’s monthly income must not exceed ₹10,000 to meet the stated financial eligibility condition.
Ans. Yes. An EPF pension or a personal pension scheme funded by the applicant is permitted under the stated conditions. Other pensions may affect eligibility.
Ans. Applicants must have retired from regular employment or stopped working regularly as journalists. They must not hold regular employment or receive a regular salary or monthly payment from an organisation.
Ans. You can contact the Directorate of Information under the Information and Cultural Affairs Department or check the official West Bengal Government forms page for the prescribed application form.
Ans. Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Director of Information, Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, Nabanna, Howrah. Confirm the current submission procedure with the department before sending your documents.
Ans. The application process described here requires a physical form and supporting documents. Contact the Directorate of Information to confirm the current application method and whether any online facility is available.
Ans. The Director of Information checks the applications, and eligible cases are placed before the State Level Screening Committee for recommendation before approval.
Ans. The pension is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through RTGS or NEFT.
Ans. Yes. Pensioners must submit a life certificate, an income certificate, a non-employment declaration and the required declaration about other pensions every year in March, as prescribed by the department. Missing documents may affect payment.
Ans. No. The pension stops when the pensioner dies. Any amount due up to the date of death may be released to the person legally entitled to receive it.
Ans. Existing pensioners should follow the department’s instructions regarding their current payments. If they want to receive the revised ₹5,000 pension, they should contact the Directorate of Information to confirm whether they can apply and what procedure they must follow.
Ans. The application deadline has not been confirmed in the information available here. Contact the Directorate of Information for the current closing date before submitting your application.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.