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PM Modi Announces Compensation After Deadly Meghalaya Coal Mine Blast

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced financial assistance from the PMNRF for the families affected by the coal mine tragedy in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills. Chief Minister Conard K. Sangma stated the state government has ordered a thorough inquiry and vowed to fix accountability. Police confirmed the recovery of 16 bodies from the site of the explosion at a suspected illegal mine, with rescue operations ongoing. The ex-gratia relief forms part of the Centre's immediate support as investigation efforts continue.

Key Points: Meghalaya Coal Mine Tragedy: PM Modi Announces Compensation

  • PM announces Rs 2 lakh for kin of deceased
  • CM Sangma orders comprehensive inquiry
  • 16 bodies recovered from illegal mine
  • Ex-gratia also for injured victims
2 min read

Meghalaya coal mine tragedy: PM Modi expresses grief, announces compensation for kin of deceased

PM Modi expresses grief over Meghalaya coal mine mishap, announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for kin of deceased. CM Sangma orders inquiry.

"Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, Feb 5

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, expressed deep grief over the tragic coal mine mishap in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district and announced an ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the victims' families.

In a message posted on social media platform X, the Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

"Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest," he said.

Prime Minister Modi also announced a financial assistance from the PMNRF, saying that an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured in the incident would receive Rs 50,000.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Conard K. Sangma said the Meghalaya government has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident and made it clear that accountability would be enforced.

"The Meghalaya government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action," he added.

Stressing that there would be no leniency in matters involving public safety, the Chief Minister asserted that the state would not compromise when it comes to the protection of human lives.

He said the administration would ensure that all necessary legal and administrative steps are taken based on the findings of the inquiry.

"In this moment of sorrow, the state stands in solidarity with all those affected," Chief Minister Sangma added.

In one of the deadliest mining accidents in recent years, the bodies of at least 16 labourers have been recovered following a massive explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, police officials said on Thursday.

Confirming the toll in the accident, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said rescue teams have so far retrieved 16 bodies from the accident site.

"Sixteen bodies have been recovered so far," Kumar told IANS, adding that the search and rescue operation is still underway.

Officials said the ex-gratia relief would be extended as part of the Centre's immediate support to the victims of the tragedy, even as rescue and investigation efforts continue at the accident site.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is so sad. 16 lives lost is a massive failure of regulation. The compensation is important, but what about preventing the next tragedy? The focus needs to be on shutting down these illegal operations for good and providing safer livelihood options for the workers. 💔
R
Rohit P
PM Modi's swift response and announcement of aid is commendable. The state govt must now ensure the inquiry is transparent and the guilty are punished. These workers are often from poor backgrounds with no other choice. We need systemic change, not just reactive measures.
P
Priya S
Heartbreaking news from Meghalaya. 2 lakhs can never replace a life, but it's a crucial support for the families left behind. Hope the injured recover soon. The CM's strong words on accountability are good, but will they be followed by strong action? That's the real test.
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism: While the compensation is a good immediate step, the article highlights a pattern. These accidents in the Northeast's coal mines happen too often. Is there enough political will to tackle the powerful interests behind illegal mining? The inquiry must be independent.
K
Kavya N
Om Shanti. May their souls rest in peace. The families need sustained support, not just one-time compensation. The government should also ensure education and employment for the children of the victims. That would be a true tribute to the lives lost.

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