The government has taken a compassionate and significant step by approving a proposal that extends the facility for preserving and transporting the mortal remains of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) personnel to include Casual Paid Laborers (CPLs).
Additionally, there has been a substantial increase in funeral expenditure for CPLs, raised from a meager Rs 1,000 to a significant Rs 10,000, with the government now shouldering the expenses.
These humane measures as announced by minister of defence Rajnath Singh on Sunday morning come as a much-needed relief for CPLs who play a pivotal role in constructing roads in remote and challenging areas, working shoulder to shoulder with BRO personnel. Their tireless dedication often leads to unfortunate casualties due to the unforgiving climate and demanding working conditions.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, prior to this approval, the privilege of preserving and transporting mortal remains at the government’s expense was exclusively available to General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) personnel. This left CPLs without the crucial support they needed in the event of a tragedy. When a CPL lost their life, the financial burden of transporting their remains fell squarely on the shoulders of their grieving families. In many cases, these families struggled to afford even the basic transportation costs, let alone the expenses associated with a proper funeral. Sadly, this meant that the Next of Kin or Legal Heirs of deceased CPLs were unable to give their loved ones the dignified farewell they deserved, even though they had made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
During his visits to the challenging BRO work sites, Singh witnessed firsthand the harsh conditions in which CPLs toiled. Deeply concerned for their well-being and the challenges their families faced, he directed the BRO to devise appropriate welfare measures. These newly sanctioned welfare measures will provide crucial support to the families left behind, enabling them to give their departed loved ones a dignified farewell. This gesture underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to honoring those who have selflessly laid down their lives for the cause of their nation.