The Centre, on Wednesday, informed the Supreme Court that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has recommended that Rs 50,000 be given to the kin of those who died due to COVID-19.
It said that the amount will also be given to the family members of those who died of the virus owing to their involvement in the COVID-19 relief operations or activities associated with the preparedness for dealing with the pandemic.
The ex-gratia assistance will be given if the family members can produce the death certificate mentioning COVID-19 as the cause of death as per the guidelines issued by Union ministry of health and family welfare and ICMR, the government said. It further said the amount will be provided by states from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
A few weeks ago, the apex court had expressed displeasure over delay in framing of guidelines for issuance of death certificates to the families of those who died of COVID-19.
The court had, in its June 30 verdict, directed the NDMA to recommend within six weeks the guidelines for ex-gratia assistance on account of loss of life to the family members of persons who died due to COVID-19.
The Centre's affidavit had said, "All claims must be settled within 30 days of submission of the required documents, and disbursed through the Aadhaar-linked direct benefit transfer procedures."
The country has so far recorded over 4.45 lakh Covid-related deaths.
—With PTI inputs
