Tamil Nadu government promises COVID-19 aid to journalists but excludes many

According to Stalin, the provision to hike the aid amount and compensation comes after several requests.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced that the COVID-19 aid provided for government-accredited journalists would be increased to Rs 5000 from the existing sum of Rs 3000. He also announced that the solatium paid to the kin of journalists who lose their lives due to the pandemic will be doubled. Stalin had earlier announced journalists as frontline workers amid the pandemic. During the AIADMK regime in Tamil Nadu, media persons were provided free and priority vaccination along with frontline workers, well ahead of the assembly elections. According to Stalin, the provision to hike the aid amount and compensation comes after several requests. He added that the journalists and media acted as a bridge between government and public in ensuring that the right information reached the people.