Visakhapatnam Steel Plant tragedy : ex-gratia compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased

Visakhapatnam: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the injured employees in the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant tragedy. At least nine workers were killed and several others injured after a large quantity of molten steel leaked from the SMS-2 and STC-3 heat facility at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on Monday.Union Minister Kumaraswamy said, "My heartfelt prayer to the God to give strength to their family members who have succumbed to this injury. I request to all our employees who are working here, don't panic. We are with you. Rs 25 lakh in compensation for the families of the deceased and Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the injured employees. Additionally, the families will be permitted to continue residing in their quarters until the time the employee would have retired, and financial assistance for the children's education will be provided on par with that of other employees."

The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims of the accident."An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the prime minister's office said in a post on X. Former Minister Gudivada Amarnadh termed the incident as unfortunate, while expressing concern over the loss of lives and the situation at the plant.He said, "It's a very unfortunate incident that happened today in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Out of nine, almost six permanent employees and three contract employees were found dead in this incident. Since the last two years, the central government, as well as the management in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant are trying to cut down the employee structure in the steel plant."