Bengal CM urges journalists not to compromise on patriotism

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addresses the launch of ‘Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana’, an augmented pension scheme and a health insurance scheme for journalists, at the state Secretariat, in Kolkata, Tuesday, September 1, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI Observing that journalists are free to engage in meaningful criticism of his government, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) said that they should ensure that patriotism never gets compromised through their work.“Criticise me and criticise the party. You can also hold constructive discussions and come to meet us if necessary. But when it comes to patriotism, everyone must follow a strict policy. None of us should do anything that weakens the country or creates instability,” he said.Mr. Adhikari also urged journalists to refrain from making remarks that hurt the religious sentiments of any community. The Chief Minister made these remarks while launching social security schemes for journalists, which included health insurance and a pension for those who have attained 60 years of age.Journalists who have attained 60 years of age will receive a pension of ₹5,000 per month if they apply with the State government. Under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, those not covered under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme will be entitled to health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh.The earlier pension scheme for journalists, introduced several years ago by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was largely limited to accredited journalists.Earlier, the pension benefit was ₹2,500 per month, and the Suvendu Adhikari government has doubled the benefit to ₹5,000 a month. The scheme will no longer be restricted to journalists holding government-issued accreditation cards.The previous Trinamool Congress government had refused to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the State and had instead rolled out the Swasthya Sathi scheme.“Under Swasthyasathi, journalists used to get treatment in 1,700 hospitals in the state, both private and government. Currently, under Ayushman Bharat and Chief Minister’s Health Insurance, you will get treatment in 1,900 hospitals in the state, up to ₹5 lakh,” the Chief Minister said. Mr. Adhikari also added that along with hospitals in the State, those with the card can avail treatment in about 38,000 hospitals across the country.Mr. Adhikari said all journalists in West Bengal would be brought under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme. The Chief Minister also added that journalists in the State who apply for the benefit will be eligible for the Durga Puja bonus.Senior journalist and president of the Kolkata Press Club Snehasish Sur expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for bringing journalists, particularly senior journalists, under the ambit of the State’s social security schemes.“Journalists contribute to the society in a very meaningful manner and are considered fourth pillar of our democracy. So, it is welcome step when the government comes forward and broadens health insurance and pensionary benefits to journalists,” Mr. Sur added. Published - September 01, 2026 06:57 pm IST