Patnaik announces Rs 50 lakh assistance for sarpanchs losing lives battling Covid

Bhubaneswar, May 14 () Odisha Chief Minister NaveenPatnaik on Thursday announced a financial assistance of Rs 50lakh each for the families of all village heads who lose theirlives in the battle against Covid-19.

Hailing the Sarpanchs as frontline warriors in thebattle against Covid-19 at grassroots level, Patnaik said forthe benefit of their families they have been included in thescheme of Rs 50 lakh financial assistance announced earlier.

The Chief Minister said that the sarpanchs areperforming a very important work of properly managing thetemporary medical centres (TMC), quarantine centres and otherCovid facilities with dedication.

"They are our frontline warriors," he said.

Similarly, anyone, both from private and governmentsector, engaged in the management of TMCs, quarantine centres,special coronavirus hospitals and other Covid facilities arealso our warriors against pandemic, Patnaik said.

Their families will also be provided with samefinancial assistance, said the Chief Minister, who took toTwitter to make the announcement.

Earlier on April 21, the Chief Minister announced afinancial assistance of Rs 50 lakh each for the families ofall health workers and support staff who lose their lives inthe fight against COVID-19.

He had also announced that the government will treat themas martyrs. SKNSNS SNS