Guwahati, 09 October (HS): The Assam government has extended financial assistance of ₹1.70 crore to the families of 34 deceased contractual employees of the Panchayat and Rural Development (P&RD) Department, with Minister Atul Bora handing over cheques of ₹5 lakh each to the next of kin at a programme in Guwahati on Friday.

The programme was held at the Commissionerate of the P&RD Department at Panjabari, where the minister distributed the cheques under the state government's ex-gratia assistance scheme. The initiative provides one-time financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to the families of contractual employees who die while in service.

Addressing the gathering, Bora said that although financial assistance could not compensate for the loss of a loved one, the deceased employees had been valued members of the P&RD family. He expressed hope that the assistance would offer meaningful financial relief to the bereaved families and help them cope with their circumstances.

The minister also encouraged family members of the deceased employees to apply for contractual positions advertised by the department from time to time. He credited Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership for the initiative, saying it reflected the state government's commitment to supporting families during difficult times.

Since January 1, 2011, a total of 150 families of deceased contractual employees have received ex-gratia assistance of ₹5 lakh each, according to the department.

Secretary of the P&RD Department Pushpanjali Das, Commissioner Oinam Sarankumar Singh, IAS, senior departmental officials and family members of the deceased employees attended the programme.

The department said the assistance was intended to provide financial support to the families of employees who had contributed to the implementation of rural development schemes across Assam.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash