Setting a Global Example, SC Approves Rs 50,000 Ex-Gratia Compensation Scheme for Covid-19 Victims
News 18The Supreme Court on Monday approved the Centre’s scheme of granting Rs 50,000 ex-gratia compensation for all those who died due to Covid-19 in India. Justice MR Shah said, “The next kin of the deceased shall be paid an amount of Rs 50,000 and it will be over and above the amounts paid by Centre and state under various benevolent schemes.” “No state shall deny the Rs 50,000 benefit on the ground that cause of death in death certificate is not Covid-19. The National Disaster Management Authority has recommended that Rs 50,000 be given to the kin of those who died of Covid-19, the Centre informed the Supreme Court last month. The ex-gratia assistance will be given subject to the cause of death being certified as Covid-19 as per the guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and ICMR, the government said.