Assam Government Gifts Mobile Phones to Journalists Amid Upcoming Elections
Mobile Phone Distribution to Journalists
On Thursday, the Assam government distributed mobile phones as New Year gifts to journalists, but at least two recipients have chosen to return their devices.
An official stated that over 2,200 journalists registered with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations will receive these mobile phones as gifts.
During a press conference held by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati, some journalists received their phones, while others are expected to collect theirs from district commissioners by January 14, coinciding with the Magh Bihu festival.
With Assembly elections approaching in four months, the government aims to support media personnel.
The official confirmed that all DIPR cardholders will receive the Samsung Galaxy F17, noting that the government has a tradition of gifting items to journalists, including laptop bags and water bottles in previous years.
The market price for the phone ranges from Rs 12,600 to Rs 16,000.
So far, Umanand Jiaswal from The Telegraph and Bikash Singh from The Economic Times have returned their phones.
New Schemes for Students and Women
In addition to the mobile phone distribution, Chief Minister Sarma announced new direct benefit transfer schemes for students and women ahead of the elections.
The Babu Asoni programme, inspired by the Nijut Moina scheme that supports girl students, will provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,000 to eligible postgraduate students and Rs 1,000 to undergraduate students.
Furthermore, the cash transfer of Rs 1,250 per month to women as primary caretakers in low-income households under the Orunodoi scheme will be temporarily halted due to the elections. Instead, beneficiaries will receive Rs 8,000 on February 20 as an advance gift for Bohag Bihu.
Sarma explained that this approach aims to alleviate any financial difficulties during the election period by combining four months' worth of payments into one.