The COVID-19 pandemic was not merely a public health crisis; it was a human tragedy that shook the very foundations of societies across the globe. In Manipur, like elsewhere, countless families lost their loved ones—fathers, mothers, sons, daughters—many of whom were government servants who stood on the frontline of service. They served till their last breath. Yet today, years after the pandemic’s peak, an uncomfortable and painful question lingers in the hearts of many: Have we truly honoured their sacrifice?
For several families in Manipur, the answer is a resounding no.
The Silent Suffering of the Bereaved:
The death of a breadwinner is always devastating. But when that death occurs in the line of duty—during a pandemic that demanded extraordinary courage—the expectation is that the State will step in with compassion and urgency.
Unfortunately, many families of government servants who died due to COVID-19 continue to struggle “tooth and nail” for survival. Widows face financial insecurity, children’s education hangs in the balance, and aged parents are left without support.
While the government had once indicated plans to provide relief, including ex-gratia assistance and welfare measures, implementation has been inconsistent and inadequate. In 2021, the government announced that it was considering compensation for COVID-19 victims and providing financial aid to affected families, including monthly assistance for children who lost parents �. However, such measures, though commendable in intent, have not fully addressed the plight of families of deceased government employees.
For these families, the issue is not just about compensation—it is about justice, dignity, and recognition.
The Promise of the Die-in-Harness Scheme:
The Die-in-Harness Scheme exists precisely to address such situations. It is a humanitarian provision that allows one eligible family member of a deceased government employee to be appointed on compassionate grounds, thereby ensuring financial stability.
The fundamental objective of the scheme is clear: to provide immediate relief to families facing sudden hardship due to the death of a government servant.
Manipur Government:
However, the reality on the ground in Manipur tells a different story.
Despite the scheme being in place, many eligible families of COVID-19 victims have not received appointments even years after their loss. Administrative delays, procedural complexities, and lack of urgency have rendered the scheme ineffective in fulfilling its core purpose.
Ironically, even the judiciary has emphasized that compassionate appointments must be timely; otherwise, they defeat their very objective. Delayed justice, in such cases, is not merely denied justice—it is a deepened injustice.
A System Lost in Procedures:
One of the major hurdles appears to be procedural rigidity. The Die-in-Harness Scheme involves multiple stages—application submission, verification, vacancy assessment, departmental approvals, and final sanction. Each stage is susceptible to delays.
Government guidelines also impose limitations, such as restricting appointments to a certain percentage of vacancies, which further slows down the process.
While rules are necessary for fairness and transparency, they must not overshadow the humanitarian intent of the scheme. When procedures become more important than people, the system loses its moral grounding.
For families already grappling with grief and financial distress, navigating bureaucratic complexities becomes an added burden—one they are least equipped to bear.
The Paradox of New Recruitment Policies:
Adding to the frustration is the government’s apparent focus on new recruitment policies and fresh appointments in various departments.
While recruitment is essential for governance and development, it raises a troubling paradox:
How can new appointments be prioritized when families of deceased employees are still waiting for compassionate consideration?
This perceived imbalance sends a disheartening message—that the sacrifices of those who served during the pandemic are being overshadowed by administrative agendas.
It is not a question of opposing new recruitment; rather, it is about ensuring that justice precedes expansion. The moral obligation to care for the families of the deceased must come before the routine processes of governance.
The Human Face of Policy Failure:
Behind every pending file is a human story.
A child forced to discontinue education due to financial constraints.
A widow taking up multiple informal jobs to sustain her family.
An elderly parent silently enduring the loss of both a child and financial security.
These are not isolated cases; they represent a broader pattern of neglect.
The pandemic demanded extraordinary service from government employees—health workers, police personnel, administrative staff, and others. Many of them continued their duties despite the risks, often without adequate protection.
Their deaths were not merely personal losses; they were sacrifices made in service to society. To neglect their families now is to diminish the value of that sacrifice.
A Question of Governance and Accountability:
Governance is not merely about policies and programs; it is about responsiveness and accountability.
The continued suffering of these families raises critical questions:
- Why have compassionate appointments not been expedited?
- What mechanisms are in place to monitor and ensure timely implementation?
- Are there sufficient vacancies being reserved for such cases?
- Why is there a lack of transparency regarding pending applications?
These questions demand answers—not just from the government, but from society at large.
A democratic system thrives on accountability. When citizens begin to feel neglected, trust in institutions erodes.
The Need for Immediate Action:
The situation calls for urgent and decisive intervention. The following measures could help address the issue:
- Fast-Track Processing
All pending cases under the Die-in-Harness Scheme related to COVID-19 deaths should be prioritized and processed within a fixed timeline.
- Special Relaxation of Rules:
Given the extraordinary nature of the pandemic, the government should consider relaxing certain procedural constraints, including vacancy limits.
- Transparent Monitoring System:
A public dashboard or regular updates on the status of applications would enhance transparency and accountability.
- Interim Financial Support:
Until appointments are made, families should receive adequate financial assistance to sustain themselves.
- Dedicated Grievance Redressal Mechanism:
A special cell should be established to address the grievances of affected families promptly.
A Moral Imperative
At its core, this issue is not merely administrative—it is moral.
The government, as the guardian of public welfare, has a duty to stand by those who stood for it in times of crisis. Compassionate appointment is not charity; it is a rightful entitlement rooted in justice and humanity.
The pandemic tested the resilience of society. It also tested the compassion of governance. While much has been done in terms of healthcare response and vaccination, the long-term welfare of affected families remains a critical unfinished task.
Conclusion: How Long Must They Wait?
As Manipur moves forward, striving for development and stability, it must not leave behind those who bore the brunt of its darkest days.
The families of government servants who died due to COVID-19 have waited long enough. Their patience should not be mistaken for acceptance.
The question remains—how long will the government continue to overlook their suffering?
Justice delayed is justice denied. And in this case, every passing day adds to the silent anguish of families who deserve not just sympathy, but rightful support.
It is time for the government to act—not out of obligation alone, but out of compassion, responsibility, and respect for those who gave everything in the line of duty.
The writer is an educationist, presently serving as an Assistant Teacher at Don Bosco High School, Langjing. He is actively engaged in literary writing and social commentary, and has nurtured many young minds who are growing to become future pillars of society. His work is driven by a commitment to ethical values, civic awareness and dignity across all professional spaces.
