Tata Steel, the Indian steel multinational, has announced that it will continue to pay salaries, including medical and housing benefits, to employees in India who fall victim to COVID-19 for the remaining period of their employment till the age of 60. The steel manufacturer also said that it would bear the cost of education of the children of frontline workers who die of the deadly infection.

The number of COVID-19 deaths reached 300,000 this week, though experts warn that the unofficial numbers could be much higher.

"Tata Steel's best-in-class social security schemes will help ensure an honourable standard of living for their families, whereby the family will get the last drawn salary till 60 years of age of the deceased employee/nominee," the company said in a statement released on social media. They will also be able to avail medical benefits and housing facilities, the company said in a statement.

"Tata Steel has taken the path of #AgilityWithCare by extending social security schemes to the family members of the employees affected by #COVID19. While we do our bit, we urge everyone to help others around them in any capacity possible to get through these tough times," Tata Steel tweeted while announcing the schemes.

As the announcement was made, people across India praised on social media the country's oldest industry for its grand gesture.

"God Bless Tata. means nobody can touch what company made a decision. This is actually for human being which is for junior staff to senior staff. Doesn’t matter where are you from. Truly legend. Every company need to learn from this company," wrote one Twitter user.

Another Twitter user wrote: Huge respect @TataSteelLtd Proud shareholder!

"Touched by the thought. Great initiative. ..Mr. Ratan Tata is a true patriot and Philanthropist," read another tweet, lauding the decision.

Tata Steel had responded to the government's call to increase oxygen production as the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic left many gasping for breath.

Steel Ministry record shows that Tata Steel supplied 1,154 MT of liquid oxygen while Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) supplied 1,485 MT, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd supplied 158 MT out of the 4,435 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen supplied by steel plants to different parts of the country.