New Delhi: The Delhi government has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each of the five COVID-19 warriors who lost their lives during the pandemic. This announcement was made by the Chief Minister’s office on Saturday.
The beneficiaries include Pharmacist Sanjay Manchanda; Junior Assistant at Maulana Azad Medical College, Ravi Kumar Singh; Sanitation Worker Virendra Kumar; Delhi Police Officer Bhawani Chandra; and Primary Teacher Mohammed Yassen. All five individuals died while fulfilling their duties during the health crisis.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi spoke about the immense sacrifice these warriors made, stating that while financial aid "might not replace the loss to families, it would help them live with dignity."
She emphasized, "The COVID-19 warriors in Delhi protected humanity and society during the pandemic, often sacrificing their lives selflessly. The Delhi government honors their spirit. Although this financial assistance cannot replace their loss, it will provide the families with a sense of dignity."
Each of these warriors played a crucial role during the pandemic: Sanjay Manchanda worked as a pharmacist at a patient care facility and visited containment zones with ASHA workers; Ravi Kumar Singh served as a junior assistant at Maulana Azad Medical College; Virendra Kumar managed sanitation at a hunger relief center; Bhawani Chandra was assigned to duty at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital; and Mohammed Yaseen was involved in ration distribution efforts.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to the families, Atishi said, "The government will always support the families of these COVID-19 warriors. This scheme aims to give their families confidence that both the government and society stand by them."
She added, "The COVID-19 pandemic was a serious crisis for everyone, instilling fear in many. However, our COVID-19 warriors took great risks to protect Delhi. Thousands of them, including doctors, medical staff, support staff, and sanitation workers, worked tirelessly to combat the pandemic, and many paid the ultimate price."
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