Govt pays Rs 28.5 lakh to Dantewada martyrs’ kin

NEW DELHI: Nothing can replace the loss suffered by the families of the 75 CRPF men killed by Naxalites in Dantewada, but a handsome compensation package — involving disbursal of Rs 38.5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased personnel, besides compassionate appointments in most cases — will at least take care of their financial security.

Each next of kin of the CRPF martyrs is entitled to Rs 15 lakh ex-gratia from the government of India, Rs 10 lakh from the CRPF Risk Fund, Rs 50,000 from the CRPF Central Welfare Fund, Rs 3 lakh ex-gratia from the Chhattisgarh government and Rs 10 lakh GPAIS from the state goverment’s insurance scheme. Of this, Rs 28.5 lakh has already been paid to each of the 74 next-of-kin, while compensation in one case is held up due to dispute over identification of the next-of-kin. The remaining amount of Rs 10 lakh due from the Chhattisgarh government’s insurance scheme is also being followed for early payment.

Apart from financial compensation, the government has ensured compassionate appointments to next-of-kin in 61 cases. While 22 appointment letters have already been issued, 39 next-of-kin have sought delayed appointments on account of the wards being not being of eligible age yet.

There are eight next-of-kin requesting appointments for ineligible relatives, and the ministry of home affairs has agreed to examine even these requests. Only six of the next-of-kin have refused any appointment on compassionate grounds.