Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday provided financial assistance to the families of six government employees who lost their lives while on duty during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it an expression of gratitude, empathy, and respect towards them, and not just a government formality.
She handed over Rs 1 crore cheque each to the families of the six government employees on Wednesday at the secretariat.
Gupta said, “At a time when the world was gripped by fear and uncertainty, these brave individuals put duty above everything else and continued to serve people without worrying about their own lives.”
Listening to their concerns and experiences with attentively, CM Gupta said the sacrifice made by the employees could never be forgotten. She described them as heroes not just for their families, but for the society as a whole. She assured them that the Delhi government would continue to stand by them like an extended family and offer all possible support.
The CM also took note of the hardships faced by these families during the past, particularly the delays they had to face regarding support during the previous government’s tenure.
She said many had to wait for long periods due to procedural delays and late disbursal of compensation, assuring that such cases are now being treated as a top priority, and steps are being taken to ensure that no eligible family has to face unnecessary delays in receiving assistance.
According to officials, the six beneficiaries were associated with various government bodies, including the MCD, DTC, Delhi Jal Board, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, NDMC and Maulana Azad Medical College.
Paramedical staff risked their lives working in hospitals and testing centres, while personnel from other departments ensured uninterrupted delivery of essential services such as water supply, sanitation and transport during the lockdown.
Expressing regret over the delay in disbursing the assistance, Gupta said no amount of compensation could make up for the loss suffered by the families, and described the financial aid as a support mechanism to help ease their day-to-day struggles.
Recalling the difficult days of the pandemic, she said many people fulfilled their duties with extraordinary courage and dedication.
She also paid tribute to those who lost their lives and extended her condolences to their families, praying for strength to help them cope with their loss.
In addition, the family of late ASI Radhey Shyam from the Delhi Police traffic unit was also given Rs 1 crore, he had lost his life in the line of duty.
The Chief Minister also extended financial assistance to the family of a deceased child in Dwarka, reiterating that the government stands firmly with every affected family and will provide all necessary support.
Gupta also handed over a cheque of Rs 1 crore to ‘Apna Ghar Ashram’ in Budhpur under the CSR initiative of the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC).
Praising the work of such institutions, Gupta said organisations like Apna Ghar Ashram set an example by providing shelter, food, medical care and dignity to the destitute and vulnerable.
CM urged capable members of society to contribute to such initiatives, adding that service is not just a duty but a commitment and a shared responsibility.