MUMBAI: Following Bombay high court’s directive which pointed out that the victims don’t get any aid in the absence of a government policy, during major mishaps, the state has now decided to give Rs 4 lakh to the kin of the victim and Rs 2 lakh to those who get 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. 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.