Former Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy demanded the Karnataka government to immediately release the compensation to the families of the corona warriors who died in the line of duty. The Centre had announced an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for frontline workers succumbing to the disease while fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. Taking a cue, the state government, too, had extended a Rs 30 lakh insurance cover.
"As many as 500 corona warriors have laid down their lives fighting the Covid-19 pandemic in the state. And it is appalling to note that the state government has paid the compensation to just one family till now. History will not be kind to us if we fail the frontline warriors," said Kumaraswamy, adding that the government was giving lip service by praising the efforts of the corona warriors and putting their lives at stake.
"Till now, around 60 doctors, 20 nurses, 82 police personnel, 10 pourakarmikas, 96 drivers and conductors, 235 teachers and lecturers, 10 ASHA workers have lost their lives in the state. In addition, journalists, bank employees and service sector employees have also died in the pandemic. The government should extend support to their families too," added the JDS leader.
Expressing anguish over the education minister response to a school student seeking help for her mother's treatment, Kumaraswamy said, “When a student wrote a letter to the government seeking help to save her mother, a teacher who was part of Vidyagama programme (informal teaching for government school students), the minister only promised to reimburse the treatment cost. Can we expect anything better from a heartless government," Kumaraswamy said.
"Beating the drums, lighting the lamps to gain popularity or providing the PPE kits alone will do little to help the families of the deceased Covid warriors," said Kumaraswamy.
