CM Rekha Gupta Hands Over ₹1 Crore Aid to Families of 11 COVID-19 Frontline Heroes

New Delhi, 11 October 2025– Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today handed over cheques of ₹1 crore each to the families of 11 government employees who lost their lives while performing their duties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chief Minister said this was not merely financial assistance, but a heartfelt expression of deep gratitude and humble tribute to their service. “The courage and selfless service of these brave individuals will forever remain etched in our hearts, inspiring future generations with lessons of duty, compassion, and devotion,” she said.

Speaking at a low-key ceremony held at the Delhi Secretariat, the Chief Minister remarked that no government can ever truly compensate for the loss of a human life. Still, it is the government’s moral duty to provide every possible support to such families. She said it was a matter of pride for the Delhi Government that the families of these dedicated personnel who served with utmost commitment during the pandemic have now received their due with dignity. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the Delhi Government has always upheld the principle of ‘People First’ at the core of its governance model. She further assured that the government would continue to stand by these families through financial assistance and address their other needs and concerns. Delhi’s Minister of Social Welfare, Ravindra Indraj Singh, was also present on the occasion.

The families of the following deceased employees received the ex gratia cheques, V. Nangthanlian (Department of Trade and Taxes), Raj Bala Garg (GTB Hospital), Babita (CBPACS), Rohan Joshi (MCD), Dr Ravinder Kumar Goel (DGHS), Aniyamma Reji (MAMC), Biswajit Das (DTC), Rajesh Kumar (Department of Education), Dr Naveen Ram (BSF), Dr Vijay Singh Rajan (BSF), and Arun Sood (DHS). The Chief Minister said that the dedication and spirit of service shown by these personnel would forever be remembered as one of the most shining chapters in Delhi’s history.

The Chief Minister further stated that COVID-19 was not merely a public health crisis for the world but also a personal tragedy for millions of families. “Today, we pay tribute to all those who lost their lives during the pandemic. This assistance is not compensation, but a symbol of the Delhi Government’s empathy and solidarity,” she said.
The Chief Minister recalled that when the nation was gripped by fear and uncertainty during the pandemic, government doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation workers, teachers, and other frontline employees risked their lives in the service of the people. “These brave men and women not only fulfilled their duties but also set an extraordinary example of humanity and devotion,” she said.

She expressed her disappointment that the previous governments had shown apathy towards extending due assistance to these families, even though they were legally entitled to it. “When the entire world was confined indoors, our doctors, nurses, sanitation workers, paramedics, and other government employees stood steadfast on duty. Unfortunately, their families had to wait years for what was rightfully theirs,” she said. The Chief Minister concluded by saying that the Delhi Government has taken this just and compassionate step to restore these families’ rightful dues and honour the legacy of their loved ones.