In a first, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of those who died while trying to exchange their demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, or while waiting in queues at banks or ATMs. This is the first time that a government has acknowledged the deaths related to the Centre’s demonetisation move, according to NDTV.

On Wednesday, the Akhilesh Yadav government announced a Rs 5-lakh compensation for the family of a woman from Aligarh, who died after setting herself on fire when she was unable to exchange six Rs 500 notes despite visiting different branches of a bank for five days. Razia had succumbed to her burn injuries on December 4. The 45-year-old daily wage labourer had immolated herself on November 20.

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister has repeatedly voiced his opposition to the demonetisation drive, calling it a thoughtless initiative that will have little affect on black money or corruption. Razia’s family will be compensation from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund, The Times of India reported.

Moreover, financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh will be extended to economically backward families of those who die in similar situations – while waiting in queues at ATMs or banks – after verification. Yadav has expressed his sympathy for the “victims of demonetisation”.

In Maharashtra, too, Opposition leaders have been urging the state to register an FIR with murder charges against the government, holding it responsible for the deaths of more than 100 citizens standing in queues waiting to exchange or withdraw money, The Times of India reported. They have demanded that Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore be allocated to provide compensation to the families of these people.