SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has allocated over Rs 148 crore for advertisements and publicity under its media policy in the last two financial years, while outlining a broader framework of welfare measures, accreditation and institutional support for journalists across the Union Territory.
Replying to a starred Assembly question tabled by MLA Ajaz Ahmad Jan, the government said funds to the tune of Rs 76.60 crore were allocated during 2024–25 and Rs 72.15 crore in 2025–26, out of which Rs 48.29 crore had been utilised up to January 31, 2026. It said the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the nodal agency for government advertisements, allocates publicity material to empanelled newspapers, television and radio channels based on their circulation, reach and the nature of content to be disseminated, in accordance with the provisions of the JK Media Policy, 2020.
The government said that alongside advertisement allocations, a range of welfare and professional facilities are already in place for media persons in Jammu and Kashmir. It noted that health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year is available to all residents, including journalists, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and SEHAT scheme. Accredited journalists are also provided government accommodation by the Estates Department, subject to availability, while short-term subsidised lodging is facilitated through the Hospitality and Protocol Department in government guest houses within and outside the Union Territory.
The House was informed that accreditation of journalists is carried out by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations under the Guidelines for Accreditation of News Media notified in November 2022, and that 262 media persons have so far been accredited under these norms. The government also said that capacity-building workshops are regularly conducted for journalists, and internship opportunities are offered to students pursuing media and journalism courses.
In addition, financial assistance to journalists and their families is provided under the Journalist Welfare Scheme notified by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with effect from April 1, 2023. The scheme provides one-time ex-gratia relief in cases of extreme hardship, including financial support in the event of death, permanent disability, serious illness or accidents, subject to prescribed conditions and eligibility criteria.
The government further stated that while there is no immediate proposal with a fixed timeline, the setting up of press clubs in uncovered districts, particularly in border and far-flung areas, will be considered in consultation with stakeholders as and when required.
It maintained that the existing framework, combining advertisement policy, welfare schemes, accreditation norms and capacity-building initiatives, is aimed at strengthening the media ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring transparency, outreach and institutional support for journalists.
