Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho's statement that the government must reach out to the families affected by Covid deaths and consider an ex-gratia payment as compensation is a very positive thought amid a grim Covid phase where the struggles of the common man are as clear as daylight.
Goa's death toll has crossed 2,500 with 35-45 deaths being reported daily. There are at least 14 families that have lost two members due to Covid infection and there are two families that have lost three people in their households. While seven children have lost their lives, there are hundreds of others who have lost their sole breadwinners. While the mayhem continues, there has been no conscious effort to keep track or reach out to these people in distress.
The government’s swift action to cover damages left by cyclone Tauktae, the decision to scale up estimates of devastation to Rs 146 crore, and quick announcements of monetary relief are welcome. These were signs of concern when a double-blow was dealt. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has moved places assessing the damage and overseeing salvage operations. He has even asked panchayats to help out villagers and has even assured to reimburse them later.
However, in the case of the pandemic, it's only the chief minister and the health minister who is seen going into overdrive while the rest of the team have gone underground. The situation needs leaders to play a proactive role and warrants a detailed analysis of data. There has to be pro-active involvement of the Women and Child Welfare Department and the Social Welfare Departments. There has to be a area-wise breakup of people affected by Covid, the deaths and the impact on families, children and women, and the government has to spare a thought for them.
Other states have reached out to their people in distress. Kerala tops the list with a special package of Rs 3 lakh for those children who have lost their parents, besides a monthly aid of Rs 2,000 and cover of educational expenses. The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to pay a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the families, besides considering jobs on compassionate grounds to eligible members in affected families. In Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 each to every family that has a death due to Covid and a Rs 2,500 monthly pension to support families who have lost one or both parents. Also, there is a promise of free education to those orphaned. Maharashtra has reached out to children orphaned by Covid and the Women and Child Development Department along with others have identified 1,572 children who have lost either one or both parents to Covid. They have traced 98 children who have lost both parents.
Fortunately, Goa has a Central grant of Rs 300 allocated to the State towards the celebration of its 60th year of liberation. While we are in a state of complete mourning and in no position to host a celebration of any kind, a sense of prudence must prevail by using a chunk of the grant to salvage lives from the dungeons of despair.
The government which is surprisingly showing extra concern over the looming threat of a third wave and the emerging colours of fungal infections has to reach out and ease the pain inflicted on families of the deceased.
