Insurance cover to the maximum of Rs 10 lakhs has been provided to Civil and Police Personnel engaged in election related works in eight districts namely Koraput, Nawarangpur, Malkangiri, Raygada, Gajapati, Sundergarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj during simultaneous General Election 2004 in case of death and total disability due to accidents or any other means arising out of and in course of election duty. This coverage is also available for the drivers and helpers of private vehicles engaged in election duty. Besides, the Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF) engaged in the election related duties in these districts has been provided an insurance cover up to Rs 2.50 laks. A compensation provision has also been made for partial disabilities. Total 78100 personnel have been covered.

The Chief Electoral Officer, Orissa, has signed an MOU with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd. A premium of Rs.45.015 lakh has been paid for the purpose.

Similarly, in consultation with Election commission of India it has been decided to enhance the existing quantum of compensation to poll related officials in case of death and disability due to accident or any other means arising out of and in course of election duties in respect of rest 22 districts. As a result of this the persons engaged in election works in these 22 districts will also get similar compensation. This coverage includes all personnel from Govt. (both central and state) /Corporations and local bodies (Including Central and State PSUs)/ Drivers and Helpers of private vehicles/ Police and Central Paramilitary Force engaged for election related works. The amount of compensation has been enhanced to Rs.10.00 lakh and Rs.2.5 lakh for Civil/Police personnel and CPMF respectively in case of death. It also includes other benefits to these officials in case of disability whether by accident or any other means arising out of and in course of election duties.

The expenditure on account of premium and compensation as per the above arrangements will be borne by Central and State Government on 50:50 ratios in view of simultaneous poll to Lok sabha and the State Legislative Assembly.

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