New Delhi, December 13, 2013 : .The Gujarat government informed the Supreme Court it received 225,57 requests for ex-gratia payments to families that lost loved ones to Covid-19.
It also approved compensation in 16175 cases.The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare records a total of 10,098 deaths in Gujarat.In an affidavit filed December 9th, Gujarat’s Commissioner for Relief and Ex-officio Extra Secretary, Revenue stated: “It has been submitted that 22.5557 applications were received to pay ex-gratia compensatory, of which a sanction order was passed for 16.175 cases.” Further, it is claimed that DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), has been used in 14,215 of the 16 175 cases sanctioned.
According to the Gujarat government, it stated that the state, in compliance with orders from the highest court, is doing all possible to make sure that ex-gratia publicity is conducted through radio, print and electronic media, as well as official social media accounts.
It added that the link to the portal had been made available on numerous government websites, including those of the district collectorates and VCEs (Village Computer Entrepreneurs), of the e-gram centers at village level.
According to the government, “The Hon’ble Court was also informed vide the December 4th affidavit that 12,718 applications were received.A sanction order was passed for 7,145 of these cases and DBT for 6,515 of them.”
The state government submitted in the top court that it is bound by directions passed by the court and reiterates its commitment in its battle against Covid-19 to ensure that victims of the pandemic are paid compensation, at the earliest, in a simplified manner.
The top court is hearing a plea filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal in connection with compensation for Covid victim families.
The Supreme Court in its October 4 judgment, had approved Rs 50,000, ex-gratia for the kin of Covid victims, which was recommended by the National Disaster Management Authority.
Previously, the top court had issued notice to several states over the abysmally low disbursal rate of Covid compensation.
On November 29, the Supreme Court expressed concern at state governments grappling with various issues in connection with Rs 50,000 ex-gratia distribution to next of kin of Covid victims.
It had also directed the Chief Secretaries of various state governments to furnish full particulars to the Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Disaster Management Authority, and scheduled the matter for further hearing in December.
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