SEC announces financial help for poll duty-bound personnel

The State Election Commission, Odisha today announced financial assistance upto Rs 20 lakh for the persons including government employees and security personnel engaged in election duties in case of accidents.
"If any official dies on duty their family will get a compensation of upto Rs 20 lakh on death and upto Rs 10 lakh if permanently handicapped," an official statement issued by the SEC said.
Stating that similar facilities were also in place during the previous panchayat polls in 2012, the SEC official said certain officials engaged in election duties have raised concern over working in Maoist-dominated areas where they get threats frequently.

The compensation covers the officials even in cases of attacks, bombings and injuries due to acts of extremism, it said.
The SEC explained that the compensation facilities has been extended to all central, state government employees, corporation employees, government and private drivers, helpers and policemen. The Commission has divided them into two groups.
Under Group A, officials designated in voting and counting process, poll supervisors, magistrate, police homeguard, forest guard, village guard, the government and private drivers have been included.
Only central policemen have been included in Group B category.