Karimnagar: “The middle and low-income group people can avail the facility by paying only Re 1 as charges for cremation. The scheme will be extended to all, irrespective of caste and religion,” said Karimnagar Mayor S Ravinder Singh yesterday.
The scheme ‘Antim Yatra Aakhri Safar’ would be launched 15 June under which last rites can be performed for just one rupee.
Under the initiative, the town municipal corporation, 164 km northeast of Hyderabad, will provide wood, pieces of sandalwood and kerosene to the kin of the deceased for performing the last rites and the funeral would be conducted as per the religious customs of the deceased.
According to a media report, Rs 1.10 crore had already been allotted for the initiative. A reserve fund of Rs 50 lakh is available for the purchase of wood and meals for around 50 people will also be provided on the day of performing the customary rituals at the rate of Rs 5 per person, added the Mayor.
Two vehicles and two freezers will be provided by the civic body to shift the corpses to the graveyard. Also, plans were on to issue death certificates then and there at the crematorium.
The mayor said people belonging to the low and middle-income group are unable to give farewell in a decent manner as the cost of conducing funeral rites is not within their reach.
Singh also appealed for donations from philanthropists and donors towards the scheme. According to him, there are an average of three-four deaths in Karimnagar town everyday.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu praised the initiative. “Compliments to Municipal Corporation of Karimnagar, #Telangana for proposing to launch ‘Antima Yatra‘ (last journey) from June 15th to conduct last rites of dead on a token payment of ONE rupee. Glad that meals will also be provided to 50 members of bereaved family.#Humanity,” Naidu tweeted. “It is important to accord dignity to the dead and perform the last rites in accordance with traditions. #Humanity #Telangana,” he added.