Maharashtra was one of the worst affected states during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, where several people lost lives due to the viral infection. Considering the same, the state government had decided to offer a compensation to the kin of the deceased. However, Congress leader and state revenue Minister, Balasaheb Thorat, in a recently released statement, stated that the government should increase the compensation amount to INR 4 lakh.
The demand has been made with the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and a letter of communication has been sent for consideration.
As per reports, the compensation amount given to the kin of the deceased is managed by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), whereby the amount is shared between the central and state government, on a 75:25 ratio. As of now, INR 50,000 was decided as the compensation fund, but Minister Thorat has informed that the amount is inadequate and should be increased.
An affidavit to approve the INR 50,000 compensation was raised on September 11, 2021, at the Supreme Court, whereby the officials informed that the amount will be given as ex-gratia to the family members of those who passed away during the pandemic. This will be managed State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
A report published in India Today quoted Minister Thorat, who said, “As per the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Centre has to pay 75 per cent of the compensation and the state has to bear 25 per cent of the compensation. The state government should approve 25 per cent of 4 lakh i.e Rs 1 lakh and put pressure on Central government to give the rest of the amount. The Centre is saying that it's not possible to pay Rs 4 lakh compensation to each. The Centre has earned lakhs in petroleum products and gives relaxation to rich people in corporate tax, but when it comes to giving help to kin of Covid victims they don’t have money.”
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