The families of 115 Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) employees who died after contracting COVID-19 while on duty during the pandemic will receive ex-gratia assistance of ₹25 lakh each. The cheques will be distributed at a ceremony in Gandhinagar on Wednesday, with the State Government disbursing a total of ₹28.75 crore.
According to a government statement, GSRTC played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by maintaining essential transport services and helping migrant workers return to their native places. The corporation operated 22,953 special trips across three states, transporting nearly 7 lakh passengers during the crisis.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that several GSRTC employees contracted COVID-19 while performing their duties, and 115 lost their lives. The deceased include 39 drivers, 31 conductors, 29 administrative staff, and 16 mechanics.
Following verification by a committee constituted by the corporation, the State Government decided to provide ₹25 lakh in ex-gratia assistance to the legal heirs of each eligible employee as a tribute to their service and sacrifice during the pandemic.Although the State had earlier announced financial assistance for government employees recognised as COVID Warriors, there was uncertainty over GSRTC employees as the corporation is a statutory body.
The issue was later resolved by the State Government, which recognised all 115 deceased GSRTC employees as COVID Warriors and approved the ex-gratia assistance for their families.