Provide Covid insurance for scribes, extend Rs 50 lakh ex gratia: Lokesh

Amaravati: TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh urged the YSRCP government to include the COVID19 health insurance cover for journalists along with doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, police, sanitation workers and all other frontline warriors.

Lokesh expressed concern that the journalists were falling victim to the virus infections while discharging their duties in the field level along with those engaged in the emergency services. The PPE kits should be provided to them. The government should extend Rs. 50 lakh ex gratia to the kin in the event of death.

The former Minister, in a statement said that he has been extending insurance cover for journalists in Mangalagiri Assembly constituency. Over 62 journalists of print and electronic media in Mangalagiri, Tadepalli and Duggirala areas will benefit from this. The premium has already been paid while the insurance certificates would soon be handed over. This decision was taken to provide support to the families of journalists if any untoward incident happens.

Lokesh said that under the cover extended to Mangalagiri journalists, the nominee would receive Rs. 10 lakh in case of Covid-related or natural death and Rs. 20 lakh in case of accident fatality.