An ex gratia compensation of `30,00,000/- (Rupees thirty lakhs) was handed over by V. Shashank Shekhar, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland on 21st January, 2022 to Thekhole-ii Thur, wife of Late Khrieliehu Thur, the then Booth Level Officer (BLO) of Part No. 14 – Chotobosti Upper, who died due to COVID-19, while deployed on election duty in connection with conduct of by-election to Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 14-Southern Angami (ST) AC in 2020.
The CEO Nagaland and his team of officers expressed their deep appreciation for the services rendered by Late Khrieliehu Thur and also to all those who have been selflessly serving the society during this difficult time of the pandemic.
The cheque was handed over in the presence of Jt. CEO, Ruokuovituo Khezhie; Dy. CEO, Awa Lorin; Supdt (Estt), Kedolhouriano; Special Officer (Accounts), Rukuvil Khanyo representing the State Government and AEO, Toshimeren representing the Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Kohima.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has prescribed various rates of ex-gratia compensation payment in the event of any mishap to the election related officials such as polling personnel, security personnel, EVM engineers and private persons like drivers, cleaners, etc. hired for deployment for election duty as follows:-
Rs. 30 lakh will be paid to the deceased family in the event of death due to COVID-19 while deployed for election duties.
Rs. 15 lakh as the minimum amount paid to the next of kin of the official in the unfortunate event of death of the official while on election duty. If the death is unfortunately caused due to any violent acts of extremists or unsocial elements like, road mines, bomb blasts, armed attacks, etc. the amount of compensation would be Rs. 30 lakh.
In the case of permanent disability, like loss of limb, eye sight etc., a minimum ex-gratia payment of Rs. 7.5 lakh would be given to the official, which would be doubled in the case of such mishaps being caused by extremist or unsocial elements as aforesaid.
(DPRO, Kohima)
