Financial assistance to be provided to help families of BMC workers who died due to COVID-19

Earlier this year, the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases were on an all time high in the city of Mumbai and nearby areas. Despite the spread of COVID-19, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) continued their duties and as per reports 228 employees of the corporation who worked day and night to curb the spread of the virus in Mumbai, lost their lives due to the infection.

With an aim to help their families, the BMC has decided to offer a helping hand, and keeping the same in mind, the civic body has decided to provide financial assistance of INR 50 lakh to the families of 91 people who lost their lives. Moreover, the heirs of 90 people will also be given jobs at the BMC.

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The decision was taken recently, post which the municipal corporation issued a circular regarding the same. Data released by the civic body confirmed that the number of patients started increasing rapidly within a few days after the second COVID-19 wave was reported in March last year. Moreover, a total of 6766 employees from the BMC were infected with the coronavirus in the last one and half years. Of these, 5803 employees  returned to their duties after fighting the infection. However, 228 employees died due to the same. 

Meanwhile, financial assistance will also be provided by the Central Government to employees who die while on COVID-19 duty, and the municipality had also sent 200 proposals to the centre for financial assistance. However, the decision has been taken only for the 19 whereby a financial assistance of INR 50 lakh will be provided. On the other hand, the municipality has decided to support the remaining families as well, and hence INR 50 lakh will now be given to the families of 91 people. 

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As of now, a total of 967 employees from the BMC are still suffering from COVID-19 and are undergoing treatment. Of these are several contract staff who were hired for  COVID work. Besides, the corporation has hundreds of contract employees, of which, nine contract workers have died due to coronavirus infection while on duty. Considering these, the Center has also approved three proposals so far and will be providing assistance to the workers who died, and the BMC will provide financial assistance to the families of remaining six employees, confirmed the administration.