Virus-hit Chennai Corporation frontline workers to get Rs 2lakh each

According to the order dated May 12 issued by Corporation Commissioner G Prakash, 35 officials and employees who had contracted the virus till May 11 would get the ex-gratia amount. “The amount will be distributed based on a GO that promised relief to the employees who are involved in COVID-19 prevention works,” the order said.

Of them, 13 are from Royapuram zone, including two assistant revenue officers, while 10 employees belong to Anna Nagar zone. Employees from Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Kodambakkam and Teynampet zones would also receive the relief.

The family of Sekar, a malaria worker from Royapuram zone who died due to COVID-19, would also receive the amount. The civic body would also write to the government seeking clarification on distributing Rs 50 lakh relief that was announced by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami for those dying due to the virus.

Hereafter, the civic body would distribute ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to all the employees working in the field, if they contract the virus.

The workers’ union alleged that the ex-gratia amount was being given only to the permanent employees, and urged the Corporation to provide the relief also to temporary workers engaged in the prevention works.

P Srinivasalu, general secretary of Chennai Corporation Redflag Union, said that more than 100 temporary workers were infected while doing prevention works. “Even though they are working on contract basis, they are working for the Corporation. So the civic body should provide relief amount to them, too,” he said.