Need to chart out corpus for the fire survivor

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Three members of a family succumbed to burns in a fire incident that took place on November 30, last year. A five-year-old boy, who was also injured, survived and has been discharged from the hospital after two months.

The Mumbai mayor has claimed that the Shiv Sena will bear the expenses and educational costs of the child, said reports. Giving details like creating a corpus fund and a fixed monthly sum to be put in the boy's account, we learn that the Sena has taken full responsibility for the boy who is going to live with his grandfather.

While the move is certainly laudable and the announcement is heartwarming, one wants to witness this flawlessly executed. If there is indeed a fund, it should exist throughout the child needing care and the monthly sum must be deposited in the account as promised. The entire process must be flawless and well charted out.

While this is very stirring, we have witnessed announcements by political leaders with no back up. Sometimes, bewildered relatives are running from pillar to post to collect sums that have been promised. It is extremely disheartening and undignified for the family.

The party's intentions and this announcement is uplifting, but long-term follow through is important. Everything must be clearly spelt out to his caretakers so that there is no grey area. Responsible persons must be entrusted to the task of following instructions to the letter. There must be absolute clarity about how much money and for how long he will be cared for.

While this does not have to be public knowledge, it should be relayed to relatives, with an exact framework on how this ‘care' or ‘adoption' is going to work. Let us see credible and concise action following these words.