Dimapur, Jan. 21 (EMN): Nagaland chief electoral officer (CEO), V Shashank Shekhar on Friday handed over an ex-gratia of INR 30,00,000 to Thekhole-ü Thur, wife of Khrieliehu Thur, the then booth level officer (BLO) of Part No. 14 – Chotobosti Upper.
Khrieliehu Thur died due to Covid-19, while deployed on election duty in connection with the conduct of by-election to Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 14-Southern Angami (ST) assembly constituency in 2020, stated a DIPR report.
The cheque was handed over in the presence of joint CEO Ruokuovituo Khezhie, deputy CEO Awa Lorin, superintendent (Estt) Kedolhouriano, special officer (Accounts) Rukuvil Khanyo representing the state government and AEO Toshimeren representing the deputy commissioner and district election officer, Kohima.
CEO Nagaland and his team of officers have expressed appreciation for the services rendered by Khrieliehu Thur and also to all those who have been selflessly serving the society during this difficult time of the pandemic.
It mentioned that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has prescribed various rates of ex-gratia 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.
According to ECI directives, an amount of INR 30 lakh would be paid to the deceased family in the event of death due to Covid-19 while deployed for election duties.
Besides, it stated that INR 15 lakh as the minimum amount should be 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 INR 30 lakh.
In the case of permanent disability, like loss of limb, eye sight etc., a minimum ex-gratia payment of INR 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.
