Delhi govt announces Rs 1 crore each ex-gratia for kin of 10 employees who died on Covid duty

Ex-gratia payments were announced and first released by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government during the pandemic, but subsequent applications have not been processed since, an official said.

Gupta noted that the earlier administration had announced financial support but did not release payments. “The ex-gratia payment meant as a gesture of respect and gratitude was held back for nearly five years due to procedural delays and other reasons,” she said.

Gupta said doctors, nurses, sanitation staff, teachers and other government employees worked on the frontlines during the pandemic, often at great personal risk. “When the entire world had come to a standstill out of fear of the pandemic, these employees carried on their duties day and night,” she said, adding that their contribution would be recognised as one of the most selfless chapters in Delhi’s history.

The government also said pending ex-gratia claims from employees deployed on Covid duty in 2020-21 would be cleared. The CM said the matter is being treated with urgency, and described the decision as both an administrative step and a gesture of respect.

Gupta offered condolences to the bereaved families and said the government would continue to process claims as they come up. The current administration has simplified procedures to ensure timely release of assistance, she said.

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