A poll official, who was the sole earning member of his family, died a day after the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls held last month in Assam. Taking note of the incident, in an empathetic gesture, Chief Election Commissioner of India (CEC) Rajiv Kumar intervened personally to ensure swift disbursement of ex gratia payment of Rs 15.36 lakh to his family.
Those aware of the details in the ECI shared that while performing duties at a polling station on April 19, Sukumal Jyoti Borah suddenly fell ill and was taken to Hojai District Civil Hospital.
“Being a case of emergency and serious condition, he was referred to Nagaon Medical College and Hospital and again to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital on April 20, where he succumbed to the illness and was declared dead,” sources said.
The official was the sole earning member in the family and is survived by his wife and son. They were dependent on him.
On April 30, Kumar received an email from his wife, Janata Chorong Borah.
She requested that reimbursement of the expenses incurred on the ambulance and the disbursement of the ex gratia amount the polling official was entitled to be processed and provided to her.
While taking note of the email, CEC Kumar, without any delay, directed the Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, to ensure that all necessary medical reimbursements and ex gratia payments be disbursed within two days on humanitarian grounds, as the polling officer was the sole earning member of their family.
As per sources, on Thursday, the family was handed over Rs 15.36 lakh by the Office of Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, and the District Administration of Hojai.
The official was an Agricultural Extension Assistant in the Office of the District Agriculture Officer, Hojai.
He was appointed as the First Polling Officer at Jamuna Moudanga Krishipam Nigam 2 No Muktab (East Part) in the Binnakandi assembly constituency of the Kaziranga Lok Sabha seat.
The first phase of Lok Sabha polls was held on April 19.
Find Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 3 Schedule, Key Candidates And Constituencies At News18 Website.
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