PUNE: In a recent decision, the State government has increased the amount of compensation provided to the parents of students at government ashram schools in case of death. The amount has been increased from Rs 75,000 to Rs 2 lakh.

The Government Resolution (GR) released for the same states that if students from backward classes studying at government tribal ashram schools and aided ashram schools die in a natural disaster, an accident or due to any other uncontrollable causes, their parents will be paid the said compensation.

The compensation was first announced by the Social Welfare and Sports Department in a GR issued on February 24, 1982. At that time, the compensation amount offered to parents was Rs 5,000. It was first revised in 1992 to Rs 15,000 and later in 2011 when the amount was increased to Rs 75,000.

The last revision was seven years ago. Thus, the amount is not suitable for the cause. After several 

demands by activists to revise the amount, it has finally been increased to Rs 2 lakh now. 

Aided ashram schools and reputed schools will have to contribute 50 per cent of the compensation themselves, while the rest 50 per cent will be given by the government.

The latest GR also states that following an inquiry, the compensation must be paid to parents within 15 days.