Mumbai, UNI/IBNS: Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde has declared that the state government has given assistance of Rs.5 lakh each to the families of the deceased due to heatstroke during the Maharashtra Bhushan Award Ceremony at Kharghar.

At least 11 people  succumbed to sunstrokes after attending the awards ceremony on Sunday which was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai.

Some Shri members (followers of Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan) attending the Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony held at Kharghar had to be shifted to hospital due to heat stroke. Eleven of them died during treatment.

Several lakhs of people were sitting for hours under searing sun at the Kharghar International Corporate Park grounds when social activist Dattatreya Narayan alias Appasaheb Dharmadhikari was conferred the award.

Shinde who  visited the hospital last night said: "I pay my heartfelt tribute to these Sri Members. This is a very painful and unfortunate incident.

"The government will provide assistance of five lakh rupees each to the families of the deceased and the medical expenses of the members who are undergoing treatment in the hospital will be borne by the government."

The Chief Minister interacted with the patients undergoing treatment. Also discussed with the doctors there and got information about the treatment.

Speaking to the media representatives on this occasion, the Chief Minister said, due to heat stroke, Sri Member had to be admitted to the hospital. Doctors at the venue administered first aid to some Sri members.

Some had to be shifted to hospital. It has been directed to appoint an officer of the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Panvel Municipal Corporation to coordinate the patients admitted to MGM Hospital and their relatives. 

On this occasion, the Chief Minister gave instructions to ensure that patients and relatives are not inconvenienced.