In a major welfare reform, India’s public service broadcaster, Prasar Bharati has introduced a revised ex-gratia lump sum compensation scheme for employees recruited after 5 October, 2007, who die while performing official duties. The new policy, approved by the Prasar Bharati Board and formalised on 4 October, 2025, replaces the earlier norms that had been in place since 1998.
The revised framework significantly raises the compensation amounts for families of employees who lose their lives in the line of duty. Depending on the risk level and circumstances, the ex-gratia payout will now range from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 45 lakh. This marks a substantial increase from the 1998 structure, where compensation ranged between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh.
The CEO of Prasar Bharati will serve as the competent authority for approving such payments. The order mandates quick processing — claims must be initiated within a week of the employee’s death, and payments disbursed ideally within two weeks of the incident to ensure immediate financial relief for families.
As per the new order, families of employees who die due to accidents or acts of violence by terrorists or anti-social elements during official assignments will receive Rs 25 lakh. Deaths occurring during border skirmishes or counter-operations against militants, terrorists, extremists, or sea pirates will attract Rs 35 lakh. The same amount applies to those who lose their lives while serving in high-altitude or inaccessible border posts under harsh weather or natural disaster conditions.
The highest compensation of Rs 45 lakh has been reserved for deaths occurring during enemy action, war-like situations, or evacuation missions involving Indian nationals in conflict zones abroad.
Employees are required to nominate beneficiaries in advance. In the absence of a nomination, the amount will be distributed equally among eligible family members, following standard retirement-benefit rules.
The order also states that the compensation rates will remain in sync with future revisions by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW). This marks the first major overhaul in nearly three decades, underscoring Prasar Bharati’s commitment to employee welfare and timely support for bereaved families.
