According to sources, Mumbai’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has provided financial assistance to improve the situation of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).
In the last two years, BEST has been receiving help in form of financial assistance in order to improve its situation. Moreover, this year, the civic body has decided to provide BEST with a grant of INR 750 crores in order to conduct developmental work. In addition, the BMC has decided to give out a loan of INR 406 crores at a very low-interest rate.
However, BEST's announcement to merge the budget with the municipality's budget has not yet materialized. Two years ago, BEST was given INR 2,000 crores by breaking reserves whereas last year it was given INR 1,500 crores. However, the provision was reduced to INR 1,000 crores after the outbreak of the coronavirus increased its expenditure. Out of this, INR 918 crores has been given to BEST till January 2021.
Meanwhile, the transportation service of BEST was operational even during the lockdown due to which the drivers, the carriers along with the staff were working. In addition, the electrical and engineering departments were also working in order to provide essential services due to which many came into contact with this deadly virus COVID-19.
In the last 10 months, 123 employees of the BEST along with the employees of Western and Central Railways in Mumbai have succumbed to the coronavirus. Moreover, a total of 2,863 people on duty in BEST had tested positive for coronavirus, of which 60 officers and employees died, while 2,739 people recovered. As per reports, the remaining employees are undergoing treatment.
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