'DNA' Exclusive: Insurance amount for bomb disposal squad raised

The state government has decided to increase the insurance amount for Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) employees who lose their lives while discharging their duty.

According to a home department official, the new insurance bracket is Rs7.5 lakh for senior police inspectors and Rs5 lakh for inspectors and below.

An official order in this regard was issued a week ago by the state home ministry.

A BDDS officer, requesting anonymity, said that this new insurance bracket would offer ample financial assistance to the families of the men who work in this high-risk profession.

“Earlier, the insurance cover given was Rs1 lakh to officers working in the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad. It was the same amount for senior inspectors and below rank officers and constabulary,” he said.

Senior police officers have welcomed this move of the state government and said that it will inspire more people to come forward and join the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad. “This is a good decision taken by the state government. It will encourage more and more people to join the BDDS. Earlier, people used to be reluctant to join this department,” said a senior officer.