PANAJI
The horrific accident at the Verna industrial estate, which killed four labourers on the spot and grievously injured four others, has drawn the attention of the Central government as the Office of Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) has launched an inquiry to determine whether the contractors complied with safety measures for its workers.
The role of ‘principal employer’ “ Public Works Department has also come under scrutiny with the State Labour Commissioner seeking action under the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970.
“Our inspector is conducting an inquiry into the accident. Information on the safety measures will be collected, and a report will be prepared for submission to the Central government,” Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) Harikesh Bahadur said, speaking to The Goan. Since the Commissioner has received a request from the State government, a copy of this report will be shared with the Chief Minister’s Office.
The inquiry will be expedited, given the gravity of the situation, and the report is likely to be completed within a week.
The Office of the Commissioner of Labour & Employment (Goa) has simultaneously initiated its inquiry and sent a notice to the firm responsible for the project at Verna. “Workmen employed by you/your department had died as a result of an accident arising out of and in the course of his employment. I hereby require you …to submit to this Court within 30 days…” reads the notice issued by Labour Commissioner Levinson Martins to Chief Engineer (PWD-NH R&B) and Ponda-based contractor M/s Kudroli Builders & Infrastructures Pvt Ltd.
In a separate communication to the RLC (Central), Martins has requested to examine the matter for necessary action against the PWD and the contract under the Labour Act, Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979 and The Buildings and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 and the Rules, to process the compensation process.
“You are also requested to furnish copy of the licences and registration certificates obtained by the contractor and the principal employer along with documents submitted for registration for processing the case under Employees Compensation Act,” he stated.
CM Sawant had ordered blacklisting the contractors while ensuring strict action. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar later took to X handle expressing grief over the accidents as the victim workers hailed from Bihar’s East Champaran village.
The police have confirmed that the workers were living in illegally set up huts made of tin sheets at IDC, where they were employed for sewerage works.
Over 72 hours, but blood test report of driver still awaited
PANAJI: More than 72 hours after the fatal accident at Verna IDC, the Health Department is examining the blood samples of Bharat Govekar “ bus driver responsible for the accident “ to determine his alcohol level.
The Verna police are awaiting the report, followed by further action even as the accused is currently in custody. Meanwhile, a team has left for another State to trace the main contractor, who is currently absconding.
“The blood samples of the driver were collected by the doctors at the district hospital and sent for examination. The report will provide clarity on the issue,” the officer said, confirming that the driver indeed smelt of alcohol at the time of the accident. “We need concrete evidence to prosecute him in court, and this report is crucial,” he added.
