Maharashtra govt announces financial assistance to Govindas suffering from serious injuries during Dahi Handi festival

• Integrity Education, Delhi
• 19, Aug 2022

Maharashtra Government has announced that financial assistance will be provided to Govindas, who suffer serious injuries during the Dahi Handi festival. It is noteworthy that Dahi Handi, where groups of people form a human pyramid to reach a pot full of goodies, hung at nearly thirty feet height, is celebrated with much fervour in Mumbai and its adjoining districts.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said as the process for awarding insurance cover could not be processed this year, the government has said that financial assistance will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Accordingly, families of those, who unfortunately die during the festivities will be given a compensation of ten lakh rupees. Those who suffer serious injuries like losing both hands, legs, eyes or any two organs will be given 7.5 lakh rupees. For the loss of any one organ, five lakh rupees will be given. Awarding of compensation will be subject to confirmation that the Mandal had followed all safety rules and guidelines and no one below the age of 18 years was a part of the human pyramid.

Meanwhile for next year, Dahi Handi will be recognised as an adventure sport and a state-wide Pro-Govinda league be organised to instill excitement and competition. Mr. Shinde said each Govinda will be given an insurance cover of ten lakh rupees and they will also enjoy reservation in jobs just like Kbaddi and Kho-Kho players. 

Source: News on Air