COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has reinstated a 2023 order that fixed a uniform cremation fee of Rs 2,000 per body in its crematoriums. The corporation's crematoriums are managed by private trusts. The uniform charge has been in effect since May 19, 2023, following directives issued by the then commissioner.
Under the existing arrangement, 70% of the collected fee is to be shared with the corporation, while the remaining 30% goes to the operating institution. The order was reinstated after reports emerged that certain crematoriums were charging more than the prescribed fee. The civic body has made it clear that no additional charges should be collected from the public, and any violation will result in immediate cancellation of permission without prior notice.
The corporation has directed that prominent signboards displaying the approved fee structure be installed at crematoriums to ensure transparency.
Extension of Maintenance Contract
The directive followed a proposal to extend the maintenance contract of the electric crematorium at Papanaickenpalayam for one year, from June 20, 2026, to June 19, 2027, in favor of GKD Charity Trust. According to the corporation administration, the trust had earlier been granted permission to operate and maintain the crematorium under specified conditions. The facility's contract period ended on March 24, 2024, after which the trust sought an extension to continue maintenance operations, which continued until 2026.
Officials said the proposed extension is in line with provisions contained in a government order governing the operation of modern electric crematoriums by private trusts and institutions.
