Family of stampede, building collapse victims in Maharashtra to get ₹4 lakh as compensation
The state government has decided to give Rs4 lakh to the kin of deceased and Rs2 lakh to those who are disabled in such mishaps.
Victims or kin of victims of building collapse, stampede at religious, public places and farmers who die owing of pesticide poisoning will now get compensation from the state.
Following a directive of the Bombay high court that pointed out that the victims don’t get any aid in the absence of a government policy, the state has decided to give ₹4 lakh to the kin of victim and ₹2 lakh to those who get disabled in such mishaps.
Currently, the state extends financial help in case of death or injury following a terrorist and Maoist attacks, and to victims of communal riots. There was no clear policy for other incidents where there is loss of life or serious injury. The move is expected to give relief to scores of affected families. Last year, 17 people died as Siddhi Sai Building in Ghatkopar collapsed in August, while 33 lives were lost when Hussaini building in Bhendi Bazaar gave way in September. A stampede at Elphinstone Road railway station, which has now been renamed Prabhadevi, killed 23 people in September last year.
“This is the first time when casualties in cases of building collapse, stampede at religious places, public places and farmer deaths due to pesticide poisoning are being considered for financial help. The immediate kin will get ₹4 lakh for each person who died in the incident. In case of the injured, the state will give ₹2 lakh (from more than 60% disability), ₹1 lakh (40%-60% disability) and ₹50,000 (for 25%-39% disability). The government will also take care of medical bill in the range of ₹3,000 to ₹14,000 for hospital stay,” said a senior official from the state revenue department, requesting anonymity.
Welcoming the decision, Sachin Ahir, president, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Mumbai, said, “We are happy, but the state should also come up with a plan to prevent such incidents. Being a prosperous state, we should ensure that such situations don’t arise.”
