Bhopal gas tragedy: Modi Govt agrees to hike compensation for survivors

New Delhi, Nov 14: The central government has agreed to increase the compensation for Bhopal gas tragedy victims, Amnesty International today said and welcomed the move. The government also promised to revise the numbers of deaths and injuries, according to an Amnesty International statement. The government decision came following hunger strike by five women, who began their action on 10 November here.

Today the women, who were on hunger strike and were supported by another 200 survivors and activists, were called to a meeting with Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers Ananth Kumar.

The minister agreed, in writing, to revise figures the government was using in the compensation claim, and promised to do so before the thirtieth anniversary of the Bhopal disaster on December 2, the statement said. "We welcome this important move by the government. Now Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi must ensure his government's pledge is honoured," said Audrey Gaughran, Amnesty International's Director for Global Issues "That would be a historic step towards justice for Bhopal," he added in the statement.

PTI