The loan provided to journalists at a 12 percent interest rate by the government to purchase motorcycles, computers and camera equipment has been increased to 15 percent by the state banks.

The state banks have in writing informed the journalists who have taken loans that the interest rate had been increased to 15 percent. The banks have informed the journalists that the interest rates had to be increased due to the overall increase in interest rates.

An official from the Media Ministry said that although the Media Ministry has publicized about a programme to provide houses to journalists, a plan to commence such a programme has not yet been initiated by the government.

While the Media Ministry has also publicized that interest free loans would be provided to journalists to purchase vehicles, the relevant programme has come to a standstill.