MUMBAI: The state is keen to start disbursal of Rs50,000 ex gratia each to kin of Covid-19 victims by November 15.
State disaster management department officials said they would issue a GR soon. Funds had been allocated, they added.
Nearly Rs700 crore was to be allocated for disbursement. Around 1.4 lakh Covid deaths have been reported in the state so far.
State principal secretary (relief & rehabilitation) Aseem Gupta told TOI a website was being tested for financial transactions and a user acceptance test would be rolled out soon. “We were hoping to roll it out during Diwali, but testing is on. The GR should be issued soon,” he said.
One can apply for ex gratia to the district collector with Covid-19 death certificate of the kin and other documents mentioned in the application. The collector will make payment through DBT (direct benefit transfer), said another official. Collectors have been told to prepare a list of beneficiaries ahead of disbursal.
State additional chief secretary Dr Pradeep Vyas earlier issued an order to form grievance committees to address issues from kin of Covid deceased. “Kin of Covid deceased having grievances regarding certification of Covid death or delay in disbursal of Rs50,000 can approach grievance redressal committees under the collector in rural areas and under deputy municipal commissioner in the city areas,” stated the order.
Public health department told collectors and commissioners to form grievance redressal panels.
States reporting most Covid deaths are Maharashtra, Karnataka and TN.
