Compensation of Rs Five lakh each for bereaved families

Kolkata, Dec 14 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each for the families of those killed in the bus-train accident in Punjab's Moga district today.

The Minister, who was here, also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 each for those critically injured and Rs 15,000 each for the people, who suffered minor injuries.

''The Railway Ministry would also consider offering jobs to one family member of the deceased, who belonged to the poorest of the poor section,'' he said.

Member, Engineering of the Railway Board, who would coordinate an inquiry into the accident to be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, had been asked to ensure that the report was submitted at the earliest, Mr Prasad said.

To a question, the Minister said it was being ascertained how the minibus entered the manned level crossing when the Satluj Express was to pass.

''If it is found that the gate was open, an FIR will be lodged against the gateman for culpable homicide and he would be immediately placed under suspension and appropriate action will be taken,'' he said.

Mr Prasad said the next Railway budget will have provision for manning some of the 35,000 level crossings in the country, which still remained unmanned.

He said efforts were on for manning all such level crossings in a phased manner.

UNI