Covid-19 deaths: Fresh guidelines for ex-gratia

SNS, SILIGURI, 26 NOVEMBER 21 : The state government has issued fresh guidelines for disbursement of ex-gratia payment to the nearest of kin of persons who have died of Covid- 19, as per norms set by the Union Minister of Home Affairs following directions from the Supreme Court.

The special secretary to the state government issued the guidelines on 18 November and has informed the Commissioner, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and all District Magistrates of the same.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the KMC would disburse ex-gratia in response to applications in a specific format, it is learnt. At the district level, the DDMA would ensure the process of claims after verification of the required documents, sanction and final disbursement of ex-gratia within 30 days through the Aadhar Linked Direct Benefit Transfer Procedure (ALDBTP).

In order to corroborate claims for Covid- 19 deaths, a list of death certificates issued and authenticated by the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) would be forwarded to the DDMA for speedy disposal, sources said.

Significantly, the DDMA would cross check the death claims by appointing the additional CMOH as the Nodal Officer, especially for ex-gratia. It has also been decided that the health department would instruct all CMOHs to forward the list of Covid-19 death to all the DMs. "Applications will be submitted to BDOs and SDOs in municipal areas and the DDMA wouId ensure that no deserving person is deprived of the ex-gratia and no undeserving person is provided financial assistance," an official source said.

In case of any grievance, a Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) will function to resolve any dispute, the source added. The four-member GRC will be constituted under the leadership of an additional DM. An ADM will be the chairperson, the CMOH will function as the member secretary and the ACMOH and a Covid medical expert, nominated by the DDMA, will be committee members. It may be noted here that the Divisional Commissioner is the Appellate Authority here.

As per the fresh guidelines, applicants will have to furnish the papers like death certificate duly certified as Covid-19, EPIC of both deceased and the next of kin of the deceased, papers related to the bank account, Legal Heir Certificate and affidavit of the magistrate or Notary Public in support of the relationship.