IMC refutes reports of taking money for disposing body of COVID victims
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 01 2020:
The Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) has clarified that it has never taken money from any of the deceased families due to COVID-19 .
Speaking to the media persons today in a press meet, Hijam Nutanchandra, the Chairperson of Public Health and Sanitation Committee.
IMC stated that IMC has never taken Rs 15,000 from any of the deceased families due to COVID-19 .
The said amount is handed by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) concerned for performing the last rites of the deceased due to COVID-19.He said that it's really unfortunate that IMC takes money from the deceased families is doing the round.
When any casualties occur due to COVID-19 the IO of unclaimed dead bodies Anwar Ali has performed the last rites of more than 150 bodies.
To perform the last rites the respective DC hands over Rs 15,000 to IMC to be used in buying the woods, kerosene, to buy the ritual items, to sanitize the dead bodies and to pay any other person who is ready to take part, he added.
Regarding this amount there is no receipt or TR from the IMC's side, he stated.
Without proper knowledge and no thorough investigation it is wrong to diminish the efforts of the dedicated staff and officers of IMC who are Covid warriors by spreading false news and appealed to the concerned not to repeat such acts in future.
It is high time that the public acknowledge the contributions of the persons performing the last rites of Covid casualties and questioned who will voluntarily come up to take such responsibilities in case they don't.Lastly he urged not to shame the IMC amid the difficult time of the ongoing pandemic.