Kathmandu, April 11:

Speakers at a programme today lauded the activities of the Unity Group that recently introduced a free accident insurance scheme worth Rs 100,000 and beneficiary health care service for the working journalists. The group will put the scheme into effect from April 14. The group has tied up with the Everest Insurance Company to launch the 10-year plan of providing the life insurance to the journalists.

Addressing the declaration meeting of the insurance scheme, Indra Bahadur Gurung, State Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, said: “The role of journalists during Jana Andolan-II was remarkable and this scheme introduced by the Unity Group for the journalists is appreciable.”

Journalist Harihar Birahi said, “The state has not been able to implement the law concerning the security of journalists.”

“It definitely is a desirable scheme for a journalist, who often faces hardships,” said Dharma Raj Dahal, journalist and coordinator of the committee formed to check whether applicants for the insurance scheme are associated with journalism.

He said working journalists who take the offer would be provided with 25 per cent discount in the treatment in the Jana Unity Life Hospital and Research Centre.