Kinofstampede,building collapse victims toget₹4l

State to compensate those who suffer from disability owing to injuries

MUMBAI: Following a directive of the Bombay high court that observed the absence of a government policy for victims of building collapse, stampedes, and pesticide poisoning, the state has announced new compensation schemes.

Kin of victims will get ₹4 lakh and victims who are disabled as a result of building collapse, stampede at religious, public places and pesticide poisoning will now get ₹2 lakh from the state.

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 July, 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,” said a senior official from the revenue department, on condition of anonymity, as he can’t speak to the media.

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.”