Ranchi, Jul 30 (PTI) Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said the next of kin of Coal India employees who die due to COVID-19 will get the same financial benefits that is applicable in case of accidental deaths during duty.

He said around four lakh on-roll and contractual workers of the mining major will be covered under this initiative.

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Addressing a virtual press conference from Ranchi Airport, the minister said Coal India employees were doing a commendable job during the pandemic, risking their own lives.

"They are relentlessly doing a good job. That's why I proudly call them 'Coal Warriors'. I have announced this benefit just to recognise their invaluable service to the nation," Joshi said.

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(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)