Whenever a major tragedy occurs such as train or road accidents, fire/inferno in buildings, tuition centres and factories/workplaces, natural disasters etc, the State government announces an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 for those injured and Rs 2 lakh to the family of the deceased person. Depending on the gravity of the accident, sometimes the same amount is also announced by the Centre. “Ex-gratia” is a voluntary financial award given by the governments as a gesture of goodwill. There is always a niggling doubt and also reports if the amounts really reach the affected people. That is another story. The point is that the above amounts have remained constant for several years, irrespective of the government-of-the day. Considering that over the years, the cost of medical services and medicines have risen and based on the severity of the injury, the ex-gratia amounts need to be substantially increased. Importantly, a foolproof mechanism should be in place to see that the amounts reach the injured and the family of the departed persons. No middle or meddling persons should be in the picture.
SRIDHAR D'IYER, Caranzalem
