In yet another significant development by the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government, the state cabinet has approved a compensation package for forest department employees who either lose their lives or are permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Moreover, now forest employees will also get the same benefits which are applicable to policemen, said Forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar on Tuesday, September 27.
Keeping both the forest and wildlife safe, is a very important job. Hence, there was a demand from forest employees for the same benefits for risking their lives while protecting forests. The demand was pending for a few years, Mungantiwar added.
He also mentioned that the forests and wildlife are as important as civil property and the wealth of the state.
According to an official statement issued by the forest department, compensation of INR 25 lakhs will be paid to the next of kin.
Similarly, the family will be given preferential employment on compassionate grounds.
If the heir is not able to do the job or refuses the job, the salary up to the date of scheduled retirement of the said deceased forest employee will be paid to the family.
If a forest employee becomes permanently disabled while performing his/her duties, then a compensation between INR 3 - INR 3.6 lakhs will be given as goodwill grant. The government shall bear the entire cost of treatment of a forest employee injured in the performance of such duty.
In addition, the government will also bear the expenses for transportation of bodies of forest personnel who die on duty, by air, road or rail to the suggested destination.
The minister said that just like policemen protect public property, forest department employees too are preserving forest which is also public property.
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