Election Commission gives Rs10 lakh relief to family of teacher who died on poll duty

The Election Commission (EC) has given a compensation amount of Rs10 lakh to the family of Anant Sawale, the teacher who died while on election duty last month. The payment was handed over through the Thane district collectorate.

Sawale, 45, who was employed at Takshashila Vidyalaya in Ulhasnagar, apparently complained of unease, but was asked to continue on duty. He was later hospitalised, but passed away the following day.

The teacher was the sole earning member of the family with three school-going children. Relatives and friends have expressed concern that the compensation of Rs10 lakh would not suffice the family for long. So, they are keen that the wife is given a job in the education department.

"I am still studying and my mother is not well qualified. We will have to spend more if I have to go for higher studies. We cannot depend on this amount till I finish my education and find a job. Still I'm happy that they considered us for compensation," says Jyoti Sawale, the daughter of the deceased teacher.

The relief was delivered to the family following persistent efforts by the teachers' association and Ramnath Mote, MLC from the teachers' constituency.

The teachers' association has also demanded that a police complaint be registered and an inquiry be conducted to identify the official who compelled the teacher to continue working despite ill health.

In another similar case, the teacher of a Navi Mumbai school died while on election duty on polling day in Thane. The family was given compensation on April 29.