The Hindu : New Delhi News : Cabinet raises ex-gratia amount

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Cabinet raises ex-gratia amount

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 20. The Delhi Cabinet today decided to raise the amount of ex-gratia paid to bereaved families in cases of natural or man-made disasters from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. This would benefit the victims of the recent Khajuri Khas fire tragedy in East Delhi that killed nine people.

At a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by the Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, it was also decided that the Government would write to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for grant of suitable compensation and relief to the families of these victims on the lines of the relief provided at the time of the Lal Kuan fire tragedy a few years ago. In cases involving minors, the compensation has been enhanced from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000.

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister, A.K. Walia, along with the East Delhi Member of Parliament, Sandeep Dikshit, expressed grief over the incident and conveyed their heart felt condolences to the bereaved families. Dr. Walia visited the fire-affected area at Parwana Road and directed the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) to hold an inquiry into the cause of fire and submit a report immediately. It is alleged that a resident of that area was running an illegal outlet from where clandestine petro products were supplied at much cheaper rates than those prevailing in the market.

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