BHUBANESWAR: For the first time, the State Election Commission (SEC), in a notification on Tuesday, announced compensation for death or disability of any employee engaged in the panchayat election work. As per the rules followed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the compensation amount has been fixed for the employees divided under two categories ‘A’ and ‘B’. While ` 10 lakh has been fixed for ‘A’ category, it is ` 5 lakh for ‘B’ category employees in case of death due to violence, including explosion of mines, bombs or an attack. An ex gratia of ` 5 lakh and ` 2.5 lakh would be given in the event of death due to other reasons during election work. As per the provision, the family of Kumar Chandra Behera who died in a road accident near Angul, and other injured employees will be given compensation. According to notification, if any employee is rendered totally disabled in a bomb attack or mine explosion, he/she would be given a relief of ` 10 lakh or ` 5 lakh as per the category. Similarly, the person will get ` 5 lakh or ` 2.5 lakh if he/she turns fully disabled due to accident or any other reason while on election duty. The Commission has also announced relief for partial disability or injuries depending upon severity of the case. Those coming under Category ‘A’ include employees engaged in polling and counting of votes, section officer, supervisor, magistrates, home guards, forest guards, gram rakhis, government and privately engaged drivers and their helpers. Central para-military forces (CPMFs) engaged in election duty have been categorised as ‘B’ grade employees. Family members of the deceased or disabled are to seek relief within three months. The SEC has directed that compensation be provided within one month of the application. It has warned of strong action against employees found to be delaying the process or trying to harass the applicants.
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