Jagan Demands ₹1 Crore Compensation for Vizag Steel Plant Victims

Former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday demanded ₹1 crore compensation each for the families of those killed in the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant accident, and also sought government jobs for their next of kin.

Jagan visited Seven Hills Hospital, where injured workers are undergoing treatment. He met survivors of the accident and also interacted with the families of the deceased.

Speaking to reporters, he said nine workers had died in the incident, and five others were injured. One of the injured is in a critical condition with nearly 95 per cent burn injuries, he said.

Recalling an earlier mishap at the plant 14 months ago, Jagan said a worker named Pentaiah had died in that incident. He alleged that authorities had then promised a job to a family member within a month, but the assurance remained unfulfilled.

He pointed to the victim’s family members present at the hospital and said they were still awaiting employment support. When questioned, officials reportedly said the relevant file was missing, he added.

Jagan also accused the state government of failing to announce any financial assistance for the families of the deceased in the latest accident. He said that while the total compensation being received from various sources was around ₹1.72 crore, the state had not clarified its contribution.

Referring to remarks made by IT and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh, Jagan said he was surprised by the statement and criticised the government’s response to the incident.

He urged the authorities to provide jobs to the victims’ families without delay, and said that if the present administration failed to deliver compensation and employment, they should not lose hope.

Jagan added that if his party returned to power under former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, it would ensure ₹1 crore compensation and jobs for the affected families.