PANAJI
Extending some relaxation for cremation of people who have died from Covid-related illness, the Corporation of the City of Panaji has waived off hearse van charges within Panaji, the capital city of the State, and reduced rates for cremation at the St Inez crematorium.
The mayor of Panaji city, Rohit Monserrate, on Thursday issued the order effecting cuts in charges levied at the crematorium for the final rites of the dead.
As per the order, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) will not charge any amount for use of hearse van within the jurisdiction of Panaji for covid-related deaths.
Only Rs 500 would be charged for transporting the Covid dead from the Goa Medical College & Hospital at Bambolim to Panaji for the cremation.
The order issued on Thursday, in the meanwhile, states that the CCP will charge Rs 100 for issuance of an NOC.
The CCP has also decided to waive off the additional amount of Rs 1,000 which was charged for bodies other than that of Panaji city residents. The rates will be just Rs 100.
Rs 2,800 has to be paid to management of Hindu crematorium towards wood cost, says the order.
The mayor has also ordered that the CCP workers will not shift or handle any Covid dead bodies at the crematorium.
Cremation of covid victims will be carried out between 2 pm to 7 pm.
At the crematorium, only 10 people from the family of the deceased will be allowed.
The order also states that if anyone asks for more money, the Mayor's OSD John Rodrigues may be contacted.
