The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) is set to distribute Rs 28.75 crore in ex-gratia aid to 115 families of employees who succumbed to COVID-19 while on duty during the pandemic. The ceremony for cheque distribution will take place on July 27 at Narmada Hall, Swarnim Sankul-1 in Gandhinagar, with each eligible family receiving Rs 25 lakh.
This decision comes after the state government recognized 115 GSRTC employees as COVID Warriors, ensuring they receive the same ex-gratia assistance as government employees who lost their lives to the virus. Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted GSRTC’s pivotal role in transporting stranded migrant workers and laborers to their hometowns during the crisis.
During the pandemic, GSRTC facilitated the safe return of 6,99,357 passengers to their native places by operating 22,953 trips across three states. The corporation faced losses, with 39 drivers, 31 conductors, 29 administrative staff members, and 16 mechanics among the deceased employees. A committee verified the employees who contracted the virus while on duty, leading to the decision to grant financial aid.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the government extended financial support to the families of the deceased GSRTC employees. Despite doubts over the eligibility of corporation employees for ex-gratia assistance, Sanghavi intervened to recognize the sacrifices of the COVID Warriors. GSRTC’s essential services continued during the pandemic, covering over 34 lakh kilometers and transporting more than 27 lakh passengers in Gujarat.
