New Delhi, 28 October (H.S.): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday distributed cheques as ex-gratia assistance to families who lost their loved ones in various accidents across the national capital. The assistance covered the families of frontline workers who died during the COVID-19 pandemic, victims of the building collapse in Satya Niketan, those affected by the fire incident in Tughlakabad, and the family of a person who died by drowning in a drain in Jasola.

The Chief Minister said the loss of a loved one was an irreparable tragedy and that the government had a responsibility to stand by affected families and provide them with all possible assistance. She said the ex-gratia payments were intended to offer financial relief during this difficult period and reassure the families that they were not alone, as the Delhi Government stood firmly by them at every step.

As a mark of respect for those who served the public during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government extended financial assistance to the family of Omwati, a deceased COVID-19 frontline worker who had been employed with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The assistance reflected the government’s gratitude to those who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties during the challenging pandemic period. Financial assistance was distributed among her two sons and three daughters.

Financial assistance was also provided to the families of four people who lost their lives in the building collapse in Satya Niketan on September 7. An ex-gratia amount of Rs. 10 lakh has been sanctioned for each affected family of the deceased, identified as Akshat Singh Yadav, Arpit Jha, Abhishek Kumar and Surendra Singh.

The Chief Minister also distributed ex-gratia cheques of Rs. 10 lakh each to the families of those who died in the Tughlakabad fire incident, Rs. 2 lakh to the injured, and Rs. 20,000 each to two people who sustained minor injuries. In addition, cheques for Rs. 5 lakh were distributed to the family of the person who died in the drowning incident in Jasola.

CM Rekha Gupta said the government’s objective was not limited to providing financial assistance but also included offering reassurance and emotional support to affected families during their time of grief. Every life is precious, she said, adding that understanding the suffering of families who lose loved ones in accidents and standing by them are responsibilities shared by both society and the government.

The Chief Minister assured the families that the Delhi Government remained committed to extending assistance to those in need in accordance with established rules, while keeping public welfare and compassion at the forefront of its priorities.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar