Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy Directs Compensation Following Steel Plant Tragedy
In response to the fatal industrial disaster at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy announced a comprehensive financial relief package for the victims and their families. The Union Minister declared an ex-gratia compensation of ₹25 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased worker. Additionally, Kumaraswamy announced that ₹10 lakh will be provided to the families of each employee who sustained injuries during the devastating molten steel leak and explosion at the facility.
Beyond immediate financial aid, the Union Minister introduced long-term support measures to shield the affected families from further distress. He stated that the families of the deceased will be legally permitted to continue residing in their official company quarters until the date the employee would have reached their scheduled retirement age. Furthermore, the Union Government will fully fund and provide financial assistance for the education of the victims’ children, ensuring it remains on par with the educational benefits extended to active personnel. Reassuring the workforce, Kumaraswamy urged the plant’s employees not to panic, emphasizing that the government stands firmly with them during this difficult time.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant accident | Andhra Pradesh | Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy says, “… I request all our employees not to panic. Sometimes, unfortunately, incidents like this can occur… Today, we have decided to provide compensation to those who succumbed to their injuries and to those currently hospitalised and fighting for their lives. We are announcing a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each family. This applies not only to regular employees but also to outsourced workers. This compensation is in addition to all other benefits they are entitled to, including insurance, provident fund, gratuity, and other dues. The families can continue to live in their current town, and the houses they are occupying will be allocated to them permanently. We have also decided to provide free education for all children of the affected families. Additionally, one permanent job will be offered to a family member from each affected household. This applies to both regular and outsourced workers. We will provide every possible support… The Prime Minister has further announced support through the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund: Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who passed away, and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Combined with insurance and other benefits, affected families are expected to receive around Rs 38 lakh…”
He also says, “A committee of experts from other steel plants has been appointed. Three members will visit tomorrow to assess the situation, identify the cause of the incident, and recommend precautionary measures to prevent future occurrences. A full report will follow based on their findings.”
