Pathanamthitta: Rates of remuneration for staff deployed in Lok Sabha polls have been revised to ensure fair compensation for their services.

Previously, various roles such as Presiding Officers, Counting Supervisors, Rehearsal Trainers, Polling Material Distributors/Receivers, and Micro Observers were set to receive Rs 600/day plus Rs 250/day for food expenses. The revised rates are now structured as follows: Rs 350 as daily remuneration, Rs 250 for meals, Rs 250 for total traveling expenses, and Rs 600 as DA. Officers performing duties on April 25 and 26 will be entitled to a total of Rs 2650.

However, Rehearsal Trainers, Distributors/Recipients of Polling Materials (Reception assistants), and Micro Observers will not receive travel expenses, resulting in a deduction of Rs 250 from their total, leaving them with Rs 2400. Additionally, Presiding Officers will receive an additional Rs 50 for phone usage expenses.

Previously, Polling Officers, Route Officers, Medical Team Members, Training Assistants, and Ballot Installers were allocated Rs 500 along with Rs 250 for food expenses. The revised rates now include Rs 250 for daily remuneration, Rs 250 for meals, Rs 250 for total traveling expenses, and Rs 500 as DA, totaling Rs 2250 for their two days of service. However, as travel expenses will not be provided to Route Officers, Medical Team Members, Training Assistants, and Ballot Installers, their total compensation will be reduced by Rs 250, leaving them with Rs 2000.

Group D employees previously received Rs 400 as daily remuneration and Rs 250 for meals. Adjustments have been made at the rate of Rs 200 for daily remuneration, Rs 250 for meals, Rs 250 for total traveling expenses, and Rs 350 as DA, resulting in a total compensation of Rs 1850 for their duties on April 25 and 26.