Poll panel doubles compensation for kin of dead personnel

The Election Commission Monday said compensation slabs for the family in case of death of polling personnel while on duty have been doubled.

For deaths due to natural causes, the compensation stands at Rs. 10 lakh while for deaths from violent causes, the amount is Rs. 20 lakh.

"An amount of Rs. 10 lakh is the minimum amount to be paid to the next of kin of the official in the unfortunate event of death of the official while on election duty," assistant chief electoral officer Amitjyoti Bhattacharya told reporters here.

The payment was Rs. 5 lakh during the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.

"lf the death is unfortunately caused due to any violent acts of extremists or unsocial elements like road mines, bomb blasts, armed attacks, etc. the amount of compensation would be Rs. 20 lakh," he said.

In the case of permanent disability, like loss of limb, eye sight, etc., a minimum ex-gratia payment of Rs. 5 lakh would be given to the official, he said, adding this amount would be doubled in the case of such incidents being caused by extremist or unsocial elements.

The commission is also taking special precautions to prevent impersonation and has instructed preparation of Absentee, Shifted and Dead (ASD) electors list for every polling booth.

"List of ASD voter should be prepared polling station wise and it should be ensured that each presiding officer is provided with a separate ASD list," he said.

Presiding officers will verify the identification of voters on that list and the first polling officer shall inform the polling agents about the ASD elector who has come to vote by reading out his/her name loudly.

"In addition to signature, thumb impression shall be recorded and the voter will have to fill-up a declaration form," said Bhattacharya.