Corruption at crematoriums

NAGPUR: When it comes to corruption, even the dead are not spared by the officials of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).
A week ago when relatives of Shankar R (name changed) went to the Sahakar Nagar crematorium to perform his last rites, an NMC health official forced them to pay Rs 1600 for firewood (Rs 200 for 40kg) and cow dung and Rs 300 for preparing the pyre.
The mourners were shocked because the civic body which maintains 10 crematoriums stopped charging for the last rites from February 1, 2010. This is not an isolated case.
Families of V Nikhare who passed away last month and another family from Pratap Nagar (who did not wish to be named) faced a similar situation at the Ambazari and Sahakar Nagar crematiroums respectively.
When a relative who was aware about the free funeral rites facility raised his voice against the ghat officials, the family was given fire wood but was asked to prepare the pyre.
"The crematorium official literally refused to prepare the pyre. We were also given wet fire wood. It took us 10 litres of kerosene and two hours to bid adieu to the departed soul," alleged the relative. Due to apathy and the corrupt attitude of the NMC officials, citizens are made to run from pillar to post to get firewood and other materials required to perform the last rites.
The civic body maintains crematoriums at Sahakar Nagar, Ambazari, Manewada, Mokshdham, Dighori, Shanti Nagar, Gangabai Ghat, Pardi, Barse Nagar, Nara-Nari and Mankapur.
At most crematoriums, health officials are yet to put up notice boards to inform citizens about free last rites facility. Sahakar Nagar and many other crematoriums visited by TOI did not have such boards.
NMC health officer (sanitation) Milind Ganvir said, "Action will be take against staffers and others involved in activities like asking for money of firewood and diesel."