PANAJI
It has been a decade since the collapse of the ‘Ruby Residency’ building in Canacona, which resulted in the death of 31 labourers. However, the wait for compensation for nearly 50 per cent of the affected families, comprising both the deceased and the injured, seems endless.
At least 31 labourers, including around six Goans, lost their lives in the biggest construction tragedy that occurred on January 4, 2014, while another eight were later identified as injured. Multiple inquiries were ordered, one of which concluded “poor conceptual designs, inherent faulty structural design and defective execution of the work at the site,” and a First Information Report was also registered against 11 persons, of whom 10 were subsequently discharged.
The then BJP-led government had directed Bharat Developers and Realtors Pvt Ltd to compensate not only the families of the deceased but also the eight injured, also considering that the matter falls under the Labour Laws.
Reliable government sources revealed to The Goan that compensation to 23 victims has been disbursed so far. With the Labour Department holding regular hearings into the matter, the real estate developer deposited another Rs 1.49 crore approx for the remaining 14 families “ 12 fatal and 2 non-fatal cases, in December 2023.
The firm sought an extension to compensate three others falling within the injured category, a request that has been granted by the Department.
Sources further disclosed that delay in disbursing assistance is partly due to the verification process of addresses and legal heirs, especially in cases where both spouses have passed away. As a result, 14 families are still waiting for the much-needed financial support with the fate of remaining unknown.
It has also come to the fore that the department has already levied an annual interest rate of 10 per cent on the principal amount, as per the rules laid down in the Labour Laws. “The longer the company delays, the more the compensation amount will accrue interest. The second instalment of Rs 1.40 crore approx is high, because of the accumulating interest rate,” the source said.
The probe had dragged then cabinet minister and current Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, who was questioned by a three-member committee headed by retired IAS officer V K Jha. The Speaker had denied any involvement claiming he was requested to furnish details as he had purchased a flat through his “hard-earned money.”
