Bhubaneswar: The State government on Thursday revealed that 50 journalists died due to Covid-19 in Odisha.
In response to a question by BJD MLA Souvic Biswal, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the State Assembly that ex gratia of Rs 15 lakh each was given to the next of kin of 49 journalists.
The State has not paid compensation to the family of one journalist of Cuttack district as they availed the assistance from another state, Majhi added.
As per the CM statement, Ganjam district recorded the highest number of journalist deaths due to Covid in Odisha with 10 casualties. Khurda district, including Bhubaneswar, reported eight deaths, while Sundargarh recorded four. Overall, 19 out of the state’s 30 districts reported journalist fatalities.
According to Majhi, 14 working journalists were attacked in Odisha over the last five years ¹.
In response to these incidents, police have taken action against 18 persons based on complaints filed.
