Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati Urges Odisha Government to Continue Health Insurance for Journalists

BHUBANESWAR: Senior Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati on Tuesday called on the Odisha government to continue the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana, a health insurance scheme for working journalists, during a session in the state assembly. The scheme, initially implemented by the previous regime, provides vital health coverage to journalists across the state.

Addressing the assembly, Bahinipati emphasized the importance of the scheme in ensuring the well-being of journalists, who often work under challenging conditions. He urged the BJP-led government to not only continue the scheme but also to enhance its coverage, proposing an increase in the annual insurance limit from the current Rs 5 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

Bahinipati’s appeal reflects growing concerns about the welfare of journalists, particularly in light of the risks they face in their profession. His call for expanded coverage under the Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana underscores the need for stronger support systems for those in the media industry.

The health insurance scheme has been a critical safety net for working journalists, and Bahinipati’s intervention is expected to prompt further discussion on how the state can better support the press. The Odisha government’s response to these demands will be closely watched by media professionals and political observers alike.