In a significant welfare move, the Government of Telangana has rolled out a financial aid scheme to support the families of Gulf workers from the state who passed away while working abroad. Under the new guidelines issued by the General Administration (NRI) Department, an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakhs will be provided to the family members of Gulf workers who died on or after December 7, 2023, in one of the seven Gulf nations. These countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Eligibility Criteria for Financial Assistance
To qualify for this financial aid, the following conditions must be met:
- Eligible Family Members: The immediate family members of the deceased Gulf worker—spouse, children, or parents—are eligible to receive the ex-gratia. The priority of disbursement will follow this order, ensuring that the closest kin is financially supported.
- Date and Cause of Death: The death of the Gulf worker must have occurred on or after December 7, 2023, in one of the specified Gulf countries, regardless of the cause of death.
- Telangana Origin: The deceased worker must be a resident of Telangana to be eligible for this scheme.
Required Documentation for Application
The application process requires the submission of key documents to verify the eligibility of the applicant. These include:
- Death Certificate: A formal death certificate issued in the country where the Gulf worker passed away.
- Cancelled Passport: The cancelled passport of the deceased Gulf worker must be submitted as part of the documentation.
- Proof of Employment: A valid employment contract, work visa, or any other proof of employment at the time of death in one of the seven Gulf countries.
- Bank Account Details: The bank account details of the eligible family member are required to facilitate the direct transfer of the financial assistance.
How to Apply for Ex-Gratia: Application Process
The application process is straightforward and designed to minimize delays. Family members must follow these steps:
- Submit the Application: The eligible family member should submit the required documents and a formal application to the District Collector of their respective district in Telangana.
- Verification Process: The District Collector’s office will thoroughly scrutinize the application and verify the eligibility of the applicant. This includes reviewing the documentation provided and confirming the cause and place of death.
Approval and Disbursement of Financial Aid
Once the application and documents are verified, the District Collector will issue an official sanction order for the ex-gratia payment. The approved amount of ₹5 lakhs will then be transferred directly to the bank account of the eligible family member. The government has emphasized the importance of a Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) system to ensure that the payment reaches the intended recipient without any intermediaries.
Timelines for Application and Processing
There are specific deadlines and timelines to ensure the timely processing of claims:
- Submission Deadline: The application must be submitted within six months from the date of death or the date the body is received in India, whichever is applicable. This timeline ensures that families do not face unnecessary delays in accessing financial support.
- Processing Time: The District Collector is responsible for processing the application swiftly, and the ex-gratia sanction must be completed at the earliest possible time to avoid undue delays.
Financial Management and Sanctioning Authority
All District Collectors and Magistrates in Telangana have been instructed to approve and release the ₹5 lakhs ex-gratia payment to the eligible families. The expenditure for this financial assistance will be charged to the Head of Account under “2052-Secretariat General Services-MH-090-Secretariat, 25-State Sector Schemes, SH(14) NRI Cell – 500 Other Charges, 503 – Other Expenditure.” The ex-gratia amount will only be transferred through the DBT mode to ensure transparency and accountability.
Significance of the Financial Assistance Program
This financial assistance program is a crucial lifeline for families who have lost their loved ones while working abroad. The Government of Telangana recognizes the hardships that many families face when a primary breadwinner passes away unexpectedly, especially in a foreign country. Gulf countries have been a significant employment destination for many Telangana workers, and this initiative is aimed at providing some relief to grieving families who also face the financial burden of losing an income provider.
With the provision of ₹5 lakhs, the government seeks to not only honor the contribution of the deceased workers but also to extend a helping hand to their families. This ex-gratia payment ensures that families are not left struggling financially during a time of grief.
Conclusion
The Telangana government’s decision to offer financial aid to the families of deceased Gulf workers is a compassionate initiative aimed at providing timely support. By ensuring clear guidelines, documentation requirements, and a streamlined approval process, the government aims to deliver aid efficiently and transparently. Families affected by the loss of a Gulf worker should take advantage of this scheme and ensure they submit their applications within the prescribed time frame to access the much-needed financial assistance.
This welfare measure reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the people of Telangana, especially those who have made sacrifices by seeking employment overseas.