Govt to give Rs 1 cr ex gratia aid to families of 5 Covid warriors

The Delhi Government on Saturday announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 crore each for the families of five Covid warriors who lost their lives while serving the public during the pandemic. Chief Minister Atishi approved the financial assistance, reaffirming the government’s commitment to honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting society during the health crisis.

Those honoured

• Sanjay Manchanda, a pharmacist, who worked in patient care facilities and containment zones during the pandemic. He contracted Covid while on duty and passed away soon after.
• Ravi Kumar Singh, a junior assistant at Maulana Azad Medical College, lost his life after contracting the virus while serving in the hospital.
• Virendra Kumar, a sanitation worker, was responsible for keeping a hunger relief centre operational during the pandemic. He contracted the virus during his service and died.
• Bhawani Chandra, an Assistant Sub-Inspector with Delhi Police, was on duty at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital when he was infected with Covid.
• Mohammad Yaseen, a primary teacher with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, was involved in ration distribution during the pandemic. He too contracted the virus during duty and passed away.

Atishi said, “The Covid warriors protected humanity and society during the pandemic and sacrificed their lives without thinking about themselves. The Delhi Government honours their spirit. Though the financial assistance cannot replace the loss, it will help the families live with dignity.”

The pandemic created fear and uncertainty, but Delhi’s frontline workers continued to serve despite the risks involved. “The Covid-19 pandemic was a serious crisis for everyone. It created fear in people, but our warriors took risks to save Delhi. Thousands of doctors, medical staff, support staff and sanitation workers worked tirelessly during the pandemic. Many of them lost their lives in the line of duty,” Atishi added.

Under the Delhi Government’s ongoing scheme to honour Covid warriors, the families of 92 deceased frontline workers have already received ex gratia payments of Rs 1 crore each. Atishi reiterated that the scheme gives families of the fallen heroes the confidence that both the government and society stand with them in their time of need. “This scheme ensures that their sacrifices are remembered and honoured with dignity,” she stated.

Among those honoured this time are five persons who contracted the virus while performing their duties — Sanjay Manchanda, a pharmacist with the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, who worked in patient care facilities and containment zones during the pandemic. He contracted Covid while on duty and passed away soon after. Ravi Kumar Singh, a junior assistant at Maulana Azad Medical College, also lost his life after contracting the virus while serving in the hospital. His family has been granted Rs 1 crore by the Delhi Government.

Virendra Kumar, a sanitation worker, was responsible for keeping a hunger relief centre operational during the pandemic. He contracted the virus during his service and died.

Bhawani Chandra, an Assistant Sub-Inspector with Delhi Police, was on duty at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital when he was infected with Covid.

Lastly, Mohammad Yaseen, a primary teacher with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, was involved in ration distribution during the pandemic. He too contracted the virus during duty and passed away.