Opposition MLA Charles Pyngrope has expressed concern over the delay in compensation to victims of electrocution and urged the State government to consider such accidents on humanitarian grounds.
During the question hour, Dadenggre MLA Rupa Marak wanted to know the status of compensation given to the victims of electrocution for the last 10 years in Dadenggre Block.
Power Minister AT Mondal said three victims’ families were given compensation. However, the compensation of Rs 1 lakh for one of the victims was paid only on March 3 after waiting for the last 8 years, according to Marak.
“This is not just insensitive but disheartening. Why should the department take so long to compensate families when it is clear that the death was due to electrocution? Instead of waiting for multiple approvals and formalities, the inquest and doctor’s report should be sufficient. Otherwise, it’s as if you’re asking the deceased’s family to prove innocence or guilt,” Pyngrope said.
According to Mondal a junior engineer or higher-ranking official is tasked to inform the electrical inspector within 24 hours of the fatal incident following which an FIR must be lodged with the district magistrate or local police, who will take a rough sketch and photographs of the accident site and then file a formal report within 48 hours.
With police and medical reports (or a veterinary report for animal fatalities) a senior electrical inspector will also inspect the site and submit a report to the government, which will then order compensation payments based on the findings, he added.
Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma criticised the insensitivity of power distribution companies, stating that their attitude often disregards safety concerns. He pointed out that improper tree-cutting near power lines is a major cause of such accidents and questioned whether safety audits were being conducted.
Mondal assured that safety audits are carried out before charging power lines, but he would review the concerns raised.
