Maharashtra police gets COVID-19 cover

Cops distribute masks among motorists and pedestrians. File pics

In the Government Resolution (GR) declared by the state recently it has been mentioned that COVID-19 will be included in the insurance policy for the Maharashtra police under the category of emergency accidental disease. Earlier, the cops did not get any insurance benefits if they were infected with COVID-19 and they would have to claim the treatment expenses under the category of breathing diseases. Later, the amounts would be given to them from the Police Welfare Fund.

Cops on segways run an eye down Marine Drive

Many NGOs have claimed that even the retired cops should be able to avail the benefit. Till now, about 289 police officers have died due to COVID-19. According to the new GR, the police officers who got infected with COVID-19 and were admitted to hospital after September 2, 2019, will be able to avail the insurance benefits. The rest will get the benefits from the police welfare fund.

An officer from Borivli police station said, "It's a huge relief for cops as we will not have to arrange money in case we get infected and are admitted to hospital. Earlier, we had to arrange for the money and pay entire hospital bills, which would later be reimbursed from the police welfare fund. Now cops will get direct benefits under the medical insurance."

Speaking to mid-day, Mumbai-based Sevanivritti Police Kalyankari Association president Mohan Todkar said, "Many retired cops were infected by the virus but they did not get any benefits. Not a single officer gets the retirement funds immediately after they complete service. It takes at least five to six months. Many retired cops have also died due to COVID-19 over the past couple of months. The state government should give the benefits to the retired officers as well. I have written a letter to the chief minister and Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and requested them to deduct some amount from the retired cops' pension and give them medical insurance." "Medical expenses usually increase post retirement, hence, if the state government gives the benefits to the retired cops as well, it would be of great help," Todkar added.

289
No. of state cops who succumbed to COVID