₹40 lakh collected for Sabarimala Pilgrim Relief Fund; ₹5 lakh accident insurance cover expanded

Sabarimala: More than ₹40 lakh has been collected this season through the Pilgrim Relief Fund, launched to support the families of pilgrims who die due to illness during their pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The amount includes a voluntary contribution of ₹5 charged from each pilgrim booking through the virtual queue system, as well as additional donations offered by those interested to contribute.

A number of 12 people died this Mandala season from illnesses such as heart attacks while travelling towards the Sabarimala Sannidhanam, according to Devaswom Executive Officer O G Biju. Even those who did not pay the voluntary ₹5 contribution remain eligible for the benefit. All pilgrims who travel legally along the designated routes from Nilakkal to the Sannidhanam will be covered under the scheme.

Dependants must apply for the assistance with supporting documents, including a certificate from a hospital on the pilgrimage route confirming that the death was due to natural causes such as a heart attack or stroke, along with a legal heirship certificate. A committee of four members, including the Devaswom Commissioner, will review the applications and process the aid. The High Court had instructed the formation of such a relief fund for pilgrims in the aftermath of the Pullumedu tragedy in 2011.

Accident insurance: Support provided to three families

A financial assistance under an insurance scheme set up in partnership with United India Insurance has also been distributed to the dependants of pilgrims who died in accidents. Last season, the insurance cover had been extended only to Ayyappa devotees from the districts of Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha. The compensation amount is ₹5 lakh.

If the death occurs within Kerala, ₹30,000 is provided for transporting the body home, and up to ₹1 lakh if it occurs outside the state. Six pilgrims died last season. Of these, three families have so far been given ₹15 lakh in insurance benefits and a total of ₹20.74 lakh including additional assistance, according to Devaswom officials.

From this season onwards, accident insurance will apply to all pilgrims who die in accidents while visiting Sabarimala, irrespective of their district or state of origin. Devaswom employees will also be covered under this scheme.