Odisha Govt Chalks Out Plans To Provide Aid To Kin Of COVID Victims

Bhubaneswar: Acting on the directions of the Supreme Court regarding financial assistance to each of the families of people who died due to COVID-19, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra convened a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss the modalities for implement the orders.

Everyone, irrespective of their financial status will be getting this financial support of Rs 50,000, in case of a COVID death in their family, said Development Commissioner PK Jena.

The family of a person who died of COVID and has received any other form of assistance, under other scheme/s will also be eligible for the Rs 50,000 aid, said Jena.

Mahapatra asked officials to ensure that the process for applying for the assistance is hassle-free and directed collectors, CDMOs and tehasildars to look into it. He also asked the officials to form district-level committees to address grievances regarding facilitation of COVID relief.

Secretary, Electronics and IT, Manoj Mishra said the applicants can submit their forms to the collector, both online or offline. All applications will be documented through a software build by OCAC for speedy and error-free delivery.

Moreover, families of people who died of COVID in hospital or while at home quarantine can also apply for the aid. Someone who died of COVID-19, within 30 days after testing positive for coronavirus, his/her family will be eligible, officials said.

Government will also carry out an awareness drive in the state to inform people about this clearly, said Mahapatra.

Among others, Additional Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) RK Sharma, DMET Prof CBK Mohanty, Additional Relief Commissioner KK Mishra, and senior officials were present at the meeting.