Key Facts
An all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC) of workers' unions and people's organisations has demanded a judicial inquiry into the June 8 accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant that killed 10 workers. The JAC also called for ₹1 crore compensation and permanent employment for the families of the deceased, and ₹50 lakh for the injured.
Details of the Demand
The demands were made during a round-table conference organised by the JAC at the Public Library in Visakhapatnam. The meeting was chaired by JAC chairman M. Jaggu Naidu and vice-chairman M. Manmadhara Rao. A resolution adopted at the meeting outlined the following key demands:
- Judicial inquiry: An independent and impartial investigation into the accident.
- Compensation: ₹1 crore for families of the deceased and ₹50 lakh for the injured.
- Employment: Permanent jobs for the families of the deceased workers.
- Medical expenses: Full reimbursement of medical costs incurred by the injured.
Statements from Leaders
Addressing the gathering, former UPSC member and former Vice-Chancellor of Dravidian University K.S. Chalam, Visakhapatnam Bar Association president Sanyasi Rao, CITU State president Ch. Narasinga Rao, and Visakha Steel Protection Committee leaders Mantri Rajasekhar and Adinarayana alleged that lapses in safety measures and maintenance had contributed to the accident.
“Our first demand is a judicial inquiry. Only an independent and impartial investigation can bring out the truth,” Mr. Narasinga Rao said, while calling for accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
Impact and Reactions
The meeting was attended by representatives of CITU, AITUC, IFTU, INTUC and several other workers' unions, along with members of lawyers', women's, youth and farmers' organisations. The JAC's demands highlight the widespread concern over worker safety and the need for accountability in industrial accidents.
What Readers Should Know
The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant accident has reignited debates about industrial safety standards in India. The JAC's call for a judicial inquiry underscores the demand for transparency and justice. Families of the victims await compensation and support, while unions continue to press for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.
FAQ
What happened at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on June 8?
Ten workers were killed in an accident at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on June 8.
What are the main demands of the Joint Action Committee?
The JAC demands a judicial inquiry, ₹1 crore compensation and permanent employment for families of the deceased, and ₹50 lakh for the injured.
Who participated in the round-table conference?
Leaders from CITU, AITUC, IFTU, INTUC, lawyers, women's, youth, and farmers' organizations attended.
Source: www.thehindu.com