Mayor Mohol faces questions over delay in payment of insurance amount

Pune: Opposition parties in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have sought an inquiry in the delay of insurance payment to the families of 13 civic employees, who died while performing their duty during the pandemic.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has written a letter to mayor Muralidhar Mohol asking for the status of disbursement of the insurance amount. They have also demanding to know the reasons that caused the delay.

The civic body has announced insurance cover of Rs1 crore to the staff members, including contractual employees, working to curtail the spread of Covid-19. “The PMC has promised to provide financial aid to the family members of the deceased staffers. The promise should be kept. Even after repeated demands, the insurance amount has not been disbursed. The issue was raised in the general body meeting as well,” said opposition leader Deepali Dhumal.

She added that the civic body should undertake efforts to hand over the money as early as possible. “Some of the deceased have lost their lives months ago but their family members are still waiting for the relief. It is very tough for them to make both the ends meet,” she said. “The civic administration is completing the process of paying the insurance amount. We will do the disbursement soon,” said Mohol.

The mayor had declared the scheme in April. As per the scheme, if any family member of the deceased opts for a job in the PMC, the family was to get Rs75 lakh as compensation. In case, they don’t seek a job, PMC would pay the family Rs1 crore.