The Delhi government has announced that it will provide a grant of 1 crore to the families of employees who lost their lives while on COVID-19 duty. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that this relief will soon be given to the families of 10 frontline workers, recognizing their extraordinary contributions during the pandemic.

Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister emphasized that the initiative is part of a continuous process, with a dedicated Group of Ministers (GoM) overseeing the implementation. "Every employee who sacrificed their life during COVID duty will have their family receive this financial support. The GoM is continuously reviewing all pending cases to ensure prompt relief," she said.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the selfless service of Delhi government employees, including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers, teachers, and other frontline personnel. "At a time when the entire world was immobilized by the fear of the pandemic, these employees worked day and night, essential services for the public, she noted. Gupta ensuring uninterrupted healthcare, sanitation, and described their service as one of the most inspiring and selfless chapters in Delhi's history. She also highlighted that the government has decided to release the pending relief amounts for employees deployed during the 2020-2021 COVID period. "This grant will formally recognize the exceptional contributions of the 10 employees who put society's welfare above their pandemic, she said. The Chief Minister also criticized the previous government for delays and procedural hurdles that prevented the timely disbursement of the relief. "Although the previous administration spoke about honoring COVID duty employees, the necessary seriousness was lacking. The grant, which symbolizes respect and gratitude, was delayed for nearly five years due to bureaucratic and procedural bottlenecks. However, this delay does not diminish the value of their service. Our government expresses deep empathy toward the affected families and is committed to providing this grant to all employees who made the ultimate sacrifice," she said

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To ensure proper oversight, a Group of Ministers has been constituted, including Cabinet Ministers Ashish Sood, Kapila Mishra, and Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh. Senior officials from the Relief Branch, including Divisional Commissioner Neeraj Semwal and DM Amol Shrivastava, are also part of the panel. "This is a sustained process. The committee is continuously hearing and approving cases, and the number of families receiving the grant is expected to increase in the coming days," the Chief Minister added. The Delhi government's move aims not only to provide financial support but also to formally acknowledge the courage serve the people during one of the most challenging and dedication of employees who risked their lives to periods in modern history. By promptly releasing the grants, the administration hopes to send a clear message of gratitude and respect to the familiese the frontline workers whose sacrifices helped Delhi navigate the unprecedented crisis.