West Bengal: Last rites of Covid-19 victims will be carried out free of cost
PremiumAs per the order, the nodal officers will supervise the cremation and burial processes of the coronavirus victim.
The West Bengal government on Friday stated that the last rites of all coronavirus-infected victims will be carried out free of cost amid complaints of fleecing by middlemen at crematoriums and burial grounds.
According to the state government order, the urban development and municipal affairs department will have to appoint nodal officers for all 124 municipal corporations in the state's 23 districts, including Kolkata, to supervise the cremation and burial processes. Also, coordinators have been appointed for arranging hearses for the deceased.
TRENDING STORIESSee All
"There were reports that middlemen at crematoriums and burial grounds are fleecing families of Covid-19 victims. After conducting a probe into the matter, the department has decided to appoint nodal officers to supervise the cremation process," a senior official told PTI news agency.
A state control room number (033-2214-1995) and another helpline (18004191198) have been launched by the department to answer people's queries and address their grievances, he added.
The Bengal government has also ordered the shutdown of all shopping malls, beauty parlours, restaurants, bars, sports complexes, gyms, spas and swimming pools in the state with immediate effect until further orders, amid the surge in COVID-19 cases on April 30.
All forms of social, cultural, academic, entertainment-related gatherings and congregations have been prohibited in the state for the time being in the state. Bazaars, market places will be allowed to operate twice every day -- from 7 am-10 am and 3 pm-5 pm.
Activities related to the electoral counting processes and victory rallies will be guided by the Election Commission protocols, the order said.
Medical shops, medical equipment outlets, grocery stores, along with home delivery services, have been kept out of the order's purview.
MORE FROM THIS SECTIONSee All
Premium Premium Gujarat records 14,605 COVID-19 cases, highest so far, 173 deaths
1 min read . 10:16 PM IST
Premium Premium Maharashtra logs 62,919 new covid-19 cases, active cases dip
1 min read . 10:03 PM IST
Premium Premium PM reviews functioning of three empowered groups on covid-19
1 min read . 10:00 PM ISTAny person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other legal provisions as applicable, the order stated.
Click here to read the Mint ePaperMint is now on Telegram. Join Mint channel in your Telegram and stay updated with the latest business news.