The Meghalaya government has spent around Rs 600 crore to date in the fight against Covid-19 since the pandemic began last year.
Replying to a cut motion in the Assembly today, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that Rs 389.7 crore was spent during the first wave last year, while the second wave has cost the state Rs 260.62 crore. A further Rs 221 crore will be required to meet Meghalaya’s liabilities, he added.
Although the government cut some forms of financial aid it offered during the first wave, it did decide to introduce ex gratia payments of Rs 50,000 to Covid deceased next of kin, applicable from April 1, which is generally considered to be the start of the second wave in Meghalaya. The funds are being paid out of the Chief Minister’s Special Grant.
Sangma also said that during the period from April 1 to September 13 a total of 1,258 persons died due to Covid-19 in the state (though Health Department figures put this number at 1,219).
Out of 1,258 deceased persons, ex gratia payments have been made to the next of kin of 514 Covid deceased, amounting to Rs 2.57 crore, leaving a balance of 744 deceased for whom the bank account details of the next of kin are awaited from the respective Deputy Commissioners.
“As such, an anticipated liability of Rs 3.72 crore is pending as on September 13,” the CM said, adding that the figure is expected to grow as deaths increase.
