WR paid ex-gratia to families of blast victims

Mumbai, Jul 17: General Manager Western Railway today handed over the cheques amounting to Rs 55 lakh to the families of the 11 victims of the July 15 bomb blasts, at Western Railway Headquarters, Churchgate here.

Speaking on the occasion, General Manager Rajkamal Rao said,'' Now our priority is to provide the financial help to the families of the victims at earliest''.

For making speedy disbursement of ex-gratia payment to the victims of the bomb blast and simplify the process of making the ex-gratia payments, Western Railway has set up a special 'Accident Information Cell' in Claims Department on the third floor of Station Building at Western Railway Headquarters, Churchgate.

The ex-gratia payment declared earlier has been considerably increased by the Railway Minister and now it has been decided to make the ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the dependents of the deceased persons, Rs 50,000 and Rs 10,000 each to those with grevious and minor injuries respectively.

The difference of the ex-gratia already made and the one subsequently declared will be paid to the dependents of the victims through cheques after proper verification. Various teams of railway employees have been formed who will visit hospitals and residences of the victims to ensure speedy disbursement of the ex-gratia payment, he added.

Also the doctors and the medical teams of Western Railway are extending their services to the persons admitted in various hospitals. All the expenditure for the treatment of the injured persons will be borne by the Railways.

General Manager added the Minister has also declared to recruit in grade 'D' post one dependent of each deceased person.

Apart from this, dependents of the person who have lost their lives in the blast will get a compensation of Rs four lakh and to those with any kind of 39 listed injuries will get a compensation ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs four lakh depending upon the nature of the injury provided they file a claim under Railway Act at the Railway Claims Tribunal.

The ex-gratia payment and compensation by Railways will be in addition to any other relief declared by the Maharashtra Government.

Chief Public Relations Officer Pranai Prabhakar, Western Railway said the 'Accident Cell' opened on July 14 not only provide guidance but also ensure disbursement of the additional ex-gratia payment delared by Railway Ministry to the dependents of the deceased persons. The officers at the 'Accident Cell' will also guide the dependents of the victims with procedures related to filing of claims at Railway Claims Tribunal.

The accident cell will remain functional from 0900 hrs to 1900 hrs and will remain open on Saturdays and Sundays till July 22. An officer, supervisor and an employee have been deputed at this cell.

Any enquires related to ex-gratia and compensation can be made through telephone numbers- 22035516/ 22122793/ 22122593 or on the email address- [email protected] and [email protected]

UNI