Lokesh Assures Long-Term Support for VSP Blast Victims

Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh stated on Tuesday that the government’s support for families affected by the recent blast at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) would extend beyond financial compensation, focusing instead on their long-term welfare and rehabilitation.

After inspecting the accident site, Mr. Lokesh announced that an initial compensation of ₹25 lakh would be released immediately to the families of the deceased, as promised by Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. He mentioned that affected families would be invited to Amaravati after the customary mourning period to discuss rehabilitation measures and future welfare support, including educational assistance for their children.

Emphasizing the response of the NDA governments at both the Centre and the State, Mr. Lokesh noted that Mr. Kumaraswamy had reached Visakhapatnam within hours of the accident and announced that one eligible member from each affected family would receive permanent employment.

In response to criticism regarding the government’s handling of this tragedy, Mr. Lokesh stated that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and senior Ministers were closely monitoring the situation to ensure all necessary assistance was provided. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding VSP and mentioned that the Centre had extended financial support of approximately ₹15,000 crore to aid in the plant’s revival.

Mr. Lokesh also recalled his interaction with an injured worker, Srinivas, who, despite his own condition, expressed concern about the steel plant’s future and appealed for its protection from disinvestment. “His emotional attachment to VSP was deeply moving,” Mr. Lokesh remarked.