State govt to provide financial help to victims of stampede, building collapse

The state government, as per the direction of the High Court on February 22, decided to start a separate scheme for man-made disasters other than naxal and terrorist attacks. Accordingly, the kin of the deceased — after poisoning during spraying of pesticides in farms, stampede and building collapse — would be given Rs 4 lakh. If the victim is permanently disabled due to the incident then help would be given, from Rs 50, 000 to Rs 2 lakh, depending on the percentage of disability.

Those admitted to hospitals for treatment would be paid Rs 1,000 per day, to a maximum amount of Rs 14,000 for 14 days. However, the reason of death has to be certified by a designated medical officer. Disability of a victim should also be certified by a designated medical officer, while specifying it was due to the man-made disaster.  Those accused by the police of man-made disaster would not be eligible to get benefit from
the scheme.

The state government policy comes after the recent incident of stampede at a railway station in Mumbai and reports of deaths of farmers due to spraying of pesticides in the state.