Opp tells govt to be sensitive, ensure speedy compensation in tragic cases

SHILLONG, March 12: The Opposition on Wednesday urged the state government to act with greater sensitivity on humanitarian grounds and ensure immediate compensation for victims of electrocution, rather than entangling them in bureaucratic delays.
“It took eight years for compensation to be paid — this is not only insensitive but also disheartening. Whenever someone dies of electrocution, an FIR is filed, a police inquest is conducted, and doctors confirm the cause of death. Why, then, should the department take so long to process the compensation when the cause is already established?” said a visibly saddened Opposition TMC chief, Charles Pyngrope, in the Assembly.
He further stated, “Can this process be expedited instead of requiring multiple reports? The inquest report and the doctor’s confirmation should be sufficient. Otherwise, it feels like asking the affected families to prove their case repeatedly. On humanitarian grounds, this should not happen — compensation must be paid immediately.”
The issue came to the fore during question hour when TMC MLA Rupa Marak from Dadenggre constituency highlighted a specific case. He informed the House that in 2017, an eight-year-old boy in his constituency was electrocuted, and only in March this year — after eight long years — was the compensation of Rs 1 lakh finally paid.
Electrocution, safety audits and more
Joining in with a supplementary question, Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma criticised the insensitivity of power distribution personnel responsible for maintaining the lines. He asked whether any safety audits had been conducted or were planned to identify factors leading to such accidents.
He also suggested that trees should be pruned wherever power lines pass over farmers’ lands to prevent hazards.
UDP MLA from Mawkyrwat, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, also sought details on the compensation provided in cases where electrocution resulted in severe injuries, such as the loss of both hands.
In response, Minister in charge, AT Mondal, acknowledged the delay in this particular case and assured the House that an inquiry would be conducted to determine the reasons behind it. He also stated that steps would be taken to ensure such delays do not recur.
Regarding safety measures, Mondal said that transmission and distribution lines undergo regular safety audits. Before a power line is charged, an electrical inspector is required to verify whether a safety audit has been conducted. He also assured that tree pruning is carried out periodically, especially before the onset of the monsoon season.
Addressing the query on compensation, he stated that before 2020, the compensation for permanent injuries, such as the loss of limbs or eyes, was Rs 62,000, but this amount has since been increased.
Responding to the principal question, the minister informed the House that in the past ten years, four electrocution cases were reported under Dadenggre Block. Compensation was paid to the families of three victims, with a total amount of Rs 3 lakh disbursed.