Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has urged for an extra ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore for the families of those who lost their lives in the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant tragedy. He emphasized the need for the families to receive this additional compensation along with a job. Jagan Mohan Reddy also called for a resolution in the Assembly to oppose the privatization of VSP.
Jagan Mohan Reddy, while addressing the media after visiting the injured at a hospital, highlighted the importance of providing more support to the affected families. He pointed out that the government’s compensation package of Rs 1.72 crore includes insurance and other benefits, which are the victims’ rightful dues. Stressing on the humanitarian aspect, he demanded an extra Rs 1 crore and job placement for a family member of each deceased worker. Additionally, he urged the government to follow the precedent set during the LG Polymers incident by offering Rs 1 crore ex-gratia to the victims.
The tragic incident, resulting from a liquid metal blast, claimed nine lives and left five others injured, one of whom is in critical condition with severe burn injuries. Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasized the need for the government to act compassionately and provide the necessary support to the affected families. He criticized the government’s focus on a Rs 11,440 crore package for VSP, which he claimed is aimed at downsizing staff rather than enhancing safety measures or employee welfare.
