After Kalbadevi, firemen bring in provisions for officials who die during operations

Recognising the role played by firemen in disaster control and management, the Mumbai fire brigade has now made provisions to care for the families of martyrs who have lost their lives during fire fighting operations.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had requested the state government to introduce such a proposal following the Kalbadevi fire last May, which took the lives of four top officials of the city fire brigade.

The proposal grants about five benefits to the families of deceased firemen, including accommodation and monetary compensation. The family of the deceased will receive permanent accommodation close to its existing place of residence. It will also be able to choose the accommodation. In case accommodation is not available, the BMC would compensate the family with up to `3,000 per sqft, to purchase an apartment, said sources. Officials of grade I will get compensation for up to 1,000 square feet (sqft), grade II officials will be give compensation up to 800 sqft, grade II officials will receive compensation up to 750 sqft, and Grade IV officials will receive compensation for up to 600 sqft.

The family will also receive a lump sum amount of `25 lakh, which will be put in a fixed deposit for 10 years. Monthly interest on the amount will be paid to the family. The BMC will sponsor the school and university education of two children of the deceased fireman.

Moreover, the deceased person’s family will continue to receive all benefits it would have, had the benefactor been alive.