Ex-gratia assured

IMPHAL, May 2: The State Government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh in case any driver or handyman engaged in ferrying fuel and LPG contracts COVID-19 and dies of it.
This was conveyed to media persons by All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters’ Association general secretary A Tamphayai at Khuman Lampak this afternoon.
Amid the country-wide lockdown and several other measures taken up by the Government to contain COVID-19, TT and LPG bullet drivers and handymen have been continuously ferrying fuel and LPG into the State risking their own lives.
Acknowledging their selfless service, the Government has agreed to grant ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh in case any driver or handyman contracts COVID-19 and dies of it, A Tamphayai said.
Conveying that the State Government took a decision to this affect at the request of the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters’ Association and the All Manipur Bulk LPG Transporters’ Association, Tamphayai, nonetheless, prayed that none of the drivers/handyman contract COVID-19.
He also hailed the State Government for providing cash incentive of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 per trip to each driver and handyman respectively engaged in ferrying fuel and LPG to the State.
Tamphayai said that the association has been working to ensure sufficient volume of hygienic water and edibles for drivers and handymen.