Goa gives Rs 2 lakh to 57 beneficiaries who lost family to Covid, CM Pramod Sawant says no death certificate required

PANAJI: Ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh each was handed over to 57 beneficiaries, who lost family members to the virus, on Friday. Chief minister Pramod Sawant also handed over 125 forms to those from the unorganised sector hit by the pandemic to enable them to avail a benefit of Rs 5,000 each.
The chief minister said that those who are unable to get the death certificate in time can also submit their forms for ex-gratia payment and the same will be verified and processed on the government's end.
“Some people have probably not submitted their form for ex-gratia compensation because they have not received death certificate. Death certificate may be delayed. But even such family members should submit their claims and we will get it verified with GMC if the person's name is there in the Covid death list and process the claim,” said Sawant.
He said if two brothers have passed away in the same family, the two families can claim the benefit separately.
“I don’t claim that I have done a lot, but Goa is the only state that strived to extend financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh as Covid death relief benefit. It is disheartening that many people have lost their lives due to the pandemic. Some lost two or three family members. Some are suffering having lost an earning family member. So the government initiated steps to help them,” Sawant said.
The remaining beneficiaries will get the benefit soon, once their forms are processed.
Secretary for social welfare Y V V J Rajshekhar said that those who received the sanction orders will get their money transferred on Friday itself.
“One-time package of Rs 5,000 will be given to those in traditional occupations in the unorganised sector like motorcycle pilots, who are hit by the pandemic. We will provide the package before Ganesh Chaturthi on September 10. Forms have been handed over to 125 persons today,” th eCM said.
Sawant said as Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in a big way in Goa, he has already instructed deputy collectors to consult Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals and submit reports so that SOPs for festival can be framed accordingly.
“At present cases are still high and everyone should continue to follow all the Covid norms. Everyone should ensure that there is no crowding. They should ensure that they take vaccination as quickly as possible. Vaccination is the only solution,” said Sawant.
He said he will begin his campaign for the upcoming assembly polls from Saturday from Saligao constituency.
“The kind of response we are getting from the people, we are confident of being elected with full majority in 2022. We are sure of getting elected with 22 plus seats,” the chief minister said.