Pune: PMC Promised Its Staff Rs 1 Crore For COVID Death, Family Members Say Amount Not Paid Yet
Mehab Qureshi
Pune, November 23, 2020: Several staff members of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have succumbed to the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) amid the pandemic which started from March. PMC workers were promised Rs 1 crore assistance in case they die of COVID-19. However, no financial aid has been given yet, claim family members of the deceased.
In the last eight months, 38 employees working with the civic body have died. They include 34 permanent and two contract workers. After the death of these employees, PMC sent a proposal to the insurance company appointed by the Center.
PMC had announced Rs 1 crore assistance out of which 50 lakh insurance was to come from the Prime Minister’s Scheme, Rs 25 lakh from the Municipal Corporation, and 25 lakh from the state government.
Meanwhile, the insurance company allotted has refused this claim, as the PMC workers weren’t directly treating the COVID patient. Civic body raised this complaint with the centre and state government. However, there was no response.
Therefore, PMC had decided to give at least Rs 25 lakh without waiting for the help of the Center and the state. Even three months later, no action has been taken.
Administrative approval was received two weeks ago to draw the cheques of 15 people. However, no cheques have been issued since then and it seems the wait will go longer.
