The Hindu : National : No pending claims, says Maharashtra

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Thursday, Jul 12, 2007
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National

No pending claims, says Maharashtra

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Faced with criticism on provision of relief to July 11, 2006 train blasts victims, the Maharashtra Government on Tuesday said ex gratia payment was made to families of those killed within two days and there were no pending claims.

Ramesh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Rehabilitation, said 186 victims’ families were paid Rs. 1 lakh each, Rs. 2.61 crore spent on paying 523 people with major injuries and Rs. 10.5 lakh given to 201 people with minor injuries. However, on Monday, 21 people with minor injuries made claims and it was being processed.

The Government was planning to set up a coordination committee to take care of pending claims, if any. It would comprise the District Collector, the divisional commissioner and railway officials. Mr. Kumar clarified that providing medical reimbursement and jobs were the Railways’ responsibility.

Pending payment

On Monday, the Government sanctioned Rs. 10 lakh to families of victims from Thane district from the State’s disaster management funds.

Government figures say that there are 1,042 victims, against 1,077 put out by the police. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has been saying that many are yet to get compensation and has approached the State Human Rights Commission for relief. Notices have been issued to the Government and the Railways on the issue.

Last year, a day after the blasts, Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil made a statement in the legislature that the Government would take care of the victims’ medical expenses. He also said that expenses in private hospitals would be paid. When Mr. Kumar was asked about this statement, he said he would have to check it before making any comment.

Money returned

Mr. Kumar said Rs. 25 lakh given by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to blast victims was returned as it was meant specifically for cochlear implants. The KEM hospital, which was offered the money, said there were no patients who needed cochlear implants. Mr. Somaiya had been saying that though several victims required hearing aids the money was sent back.

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