Free hearse service ‘109’ soon in state

Bhubaneswar: To ensure dignified transportation of the dead to their homes or cremation grounds and ease the emotional and financial burden on bereaved families, the state government will soon launch free hearse service ‘109’, whose blueprint is scheduled to be finalised July 2, officials in know of the development said Friday.

“A preliminary meeting, chaired by the Health Secretary, has already been held in this regard. The blueprint for the service will be finalised during a high-level meeting, chaired by the Chief Secretary, July 2,” they said.

In a letter to the additional chief secretary, Home, and principal secretaries of the Finance, Commerce and Transport, June 24, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S said that a draft guideline is being prepared for the proposed service and requested interdepartmental coordination to develop a comprehensive policy.

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