Rs 10 lakh compensation to these employees in case they succumb to COVID-19

In a major development, the government has said that all postal employees, including Gramin Dak Sevaks, will get Rs 10 lakh compensation in case they succumb to COVID-19. The postal services come under essential services and apart from regular services, the post offices are also delivering food packets, rations and essential medicines, among others, across the country by liasioning with local administration and police.

"In the context of COVID-19 situation, it has been decided to extend payment of compensation of Rs 10 lakh to all postal employees, including Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS), succumbing to the disease while brought on duty. The guidelines will come into effect immediately and continue for the entire period till the crisis of COVID-19 is over," the Ministry of Communications said in a statement.

Additionally, it said Communications and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad held a video conference with each state whereby chief post master generals and chief general managers were instructed to keep their postal network geared and active to help the needy throughout the country.

Late last month, the government had announced the Rs 1.7-lakh crore stimulus that included free foodgrain and cooking gas to the poor for three months, and cash doles to women and senior citizens as it looked to ease the economic impact of nationwide lockdown. 

As part of the package, an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh per health worker fighting COVID-19 will be provided. Eighty crore poor people will get 5 kg wheat or rice and 1 kg of preferred pulses for free every month for the next three months

Twenty crore women Jan Dhan account holders will get Rs 500 per month for next three months.