In a significant move highlighting employee welfare, the Lucknow division of Northern Railway has executed its first major insurance disbursement under the Railway Staff Protection (RSP) scheme. A substantial sum of Rs 1 crore has been paid to the family of a deceased railway employee, marking a pivotal moment for the scheme's implementation in the region.
First Payout Under Railway Welfare Scheme
The beneficiary of this landmark payment is Kamrun Nisha, the mother and dependent of Anwar Ali, a track maintainer who served in the engineering department at Varanasi. Tragically, Ali lost his life in an accident while performing his official duties on March 25 this year. The insurance cheque was formally handed over to Nisha on Tuesday at the divisional railway manager's office located in Lucknow.
Coordinated Efforts Ensure Swift Compensation
Senior Divisional Personnel Officer Arima Bhatnagar detailed the process, stating that the payout was managed efficiently under the RSP scheme framework. She credited the prompt completion of all necessary procedures to the coordinated efforts of the personnel department and officials from the State Bank of India. This collaboration ensured that the financial support reached the bereaved family without undue delay.
The RSP scheme is designed specifically to aid the dependents of railway employees. However, it comes with specific eligibility criteria:
- The employee's salary must be credited to a State Bank of India account.
- The scheme provides coverage exclusively for accidental deaths that occur while the employee is on duty.
Implications for Railway Employee Security
This first successful claim settlement in the Lucknow division sets a crucial precedent. It demonstrates the operational reality of the Railway Staff Protection scheme, offering a tangible safety net for the families of frontline railway workers. The disbursement of such a significant amount underscores the scheme's potential to provide substantial financial security in the wake of unforeseen tragedies.
The event reinforces the importance of institutional welfare programs for government staff, particularly those in high-risk roles like track maintenance. For the family of Anwar Ali, the compensation, while not a replacement for their loss, offers a measure of economic stability during an immensely difficult time.
