A day after the Union government submitted the guidelines for the ex gratia compensation to be provided to the kin of those who succumbed to COVID-19, the Supreme Court, on Thursday, 23 September, conveyed its happiness over the move.
"Today we are very happy. There will be some solace to the persons who have suffered. Everything the government is performing... We're happy that something is being done to wipe out tears of the person who suffered."Justice MR Shah, as quoted by LiveLaw
"We have to take judicial notice of the fact that what India has done, no other country could do," he added.
The kin of those Indian citizens who have succumbed to COVID-19 will receive Rs 50,000 ex gratia compensation from the state governments, the Union government had told the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
The court will pass a verdict in the case on 4 October.
50,000 Ex Gratia Compensation To Be Paid by State Govts to Kin of COVID-19 Deceased: Centre
Announcing an ex gratia amount of Rs 50,000 to the families of each person who died of COVID-19, the central government, on Wednesday, told the Supreme Court that the compensation will be paid by the state governments from their respective State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The kin of persons who lost their lives to COVID-19 while engaged in relief operations or preparedness activities will also be compensated, as per the guidelines recommended by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The ex gratia assistance will continue to be provided for deaths that may occur in the future phases of the COVID-19 pandemic as well.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) or the district administration would be responsible for the disbursement of the ex gratia compensation.
"The DDMA will ensure that the process of claim, verification, sanction, and the final disbursement of ex-gratia payment will be through a robust yet simple and people-friendly procedure," the Centre said in an affidavit submitted to the court.
(With inputs from LiveLaw.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)