Polling staff to get compensation in case of accident

States directed to chalk out compensation policy as per commission’s guidelines for

In a letter, the Election Commission of India has directed Chief Electoral Officers of all states regarding payment of ex gratia to polling staff during elections.

As per the guidelines, if an officer/employee dies casually in elections, next of his or her kin will be provided Rs. 5 lakh ex-gratia. If the death is caused due to any violent act of extremists or anti-social elements like riot, road mines, bomb blast, armed attack etc., the amount of compensation will be doubled to Rs. 10 lakh. If an officer/employee is suffers permanent disability, compensation worth Rs. 2 lakh 50 thousand will be paid. The amount will be doubled to Rs. 5 lakh if such mishap would have been caused by extremist or unsocial elements.

The commission has directed the state governments to frame a uniform policy regarding the payment of ex-gratia to polling staff during elections. The guidelines framed by them should be sent to the commission by October 25.