Cremation of unidentified bodies: MC to revisit decision on hiring special staff

The Municipal Corporation (MC) is set to reconsider its decision to hire special staff for cremating unidentified or unclaimed bodies, following a proposal from BJP councillors to extend the services of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The matter was brought up during a recent Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC) meeting. The MC had earlier approved the proposal to hire staff for this purpose.

The original proposal, presented by MC officials, involved hiring a dedicated worker and purchasing necessary equipment, with an estimated annual cost of about Rs 3.5 lakh. Officials argued that while NGOs had previously assisted in bringing bodies to the cremation grounds, they did not always complete religious rituals, including the immersion of ashes. The police, who are responsible for bringing unclaimed bodies to the cremation grounds, often had to wait for about four hours while paperwork is finalised following funeral. To streamline the process, a Junior Engineer has been appointed nodal officer to coordinate timings with the police.

The proposal also included the need for a multi-tasking staff (MTS) worker on an outsourced basis to handle and transport ashes. Additionally, the MC suggested engaging an existing worker residing in the burial ground to assist with funerals on an outsourced basis. According to MC officials, around 150 unclaimed or unidentified bodies are cremated annually in city.

While the proposal was initially approved by the F&CC, it faced opposition from Deputy Mayor Rajinder Sharma and other BJP councillors. They recommended reviving the services of NGOs, including All-India Sewa Samiti, which had been handling cremations for the MC for 26 years until their services were discontinued. The NGO, led by Mohal Lal Vashisht, was known for performing full rituals and keeping meticulous records, charging only Rs 830 per body for cremations with Sikh and Hindu rituals.

Deputy Mayor Sharma argued that hiring special staff would place an unnecessary financial burden on the MC, which is already grappling with an acute financial crisis. He stressed the NGO had provided reliable and cost-effective services in the past and should be reinstated.

Following the BJP’s suggestion, officiating Municipal Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh directed officials to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter. He further stated that the MC should consider continuing the services of the NGO.