PESHAWAR, Aug 16: Some 70 government servants suffering from serious diseases will get a monthly grant of Rs1,000, an official handout said here on Tuesday. The decision was taken after the provincial welfare board approved a scheme aimed at providing financial assistance to government servants afflicted with diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, thalassemia and epilepsy, etc.

A scrutiny committee had earlier examined all such cases received by the provincial benevolent fund cell and chose 70 workers as the first batch of beneficiaries.

The committee’s recommendation was approved by the NWFP chief secretary, who is chairman of the provincial welfare board.

Eligible workers will receive the grant as soon as the necessary formalities are carried out.