INDIA
The group of ministers remains silent on the crucial question of the escape of Union Carbide Corporation chief Warren Anderson in December 1984, within days of the disaster.
In the midst of an outrage over the Bhopal gas tragedy, the group of ministers (GoM) on Bhopal has decided to play to the gallery by recommending a re-look at almost all aspects of the mishap. However, it remains silent on the crucial question of the escape of Union Carbide Corporation chief Warren Anderson in December 1984, within days of the disaster.
All Congress spokespersons had earlier asserted that the position regarding Anderson’s flight would be clarified by the GoM. But they seemed keen to dodge the question on Monday. Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari maintained that any comment is possible only after the report of the GoM is made public.
“The matter was not before the GoM,” said another senior Congress leader. For four days, the meeting of the ministers was under intense public focus, specifically over the Anderson issue.
The GoM looked desperate to assuage hurt feelings in Bhopal but does not seem to have pleased many. It has recommended a compensation of Rs10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs5 lakh for those with permanent disability, and Rs2 lakh for those with renal disease and cancer. As many as 30,000 persons would be covered under all these categories, and the total payout could be to the tune of Rs1,500 crore. However, there is no recommendation for the bulk of 5.58 lakh victims who are covered under the injured category.
It also proposes a government take-over of the Bhopal Memorial Hospital Trust and an action plan worth Rs982 crore. The GoM has recommended the toxic waste lying at the plant site should be cleaned-up by the state government with all technical and financial support from the central government. This would be done under the supervision of a joint task force headed by the Union minister for environment.
The other members would be representatives from the central and state governments.
The legal matters would be jointly handled by the state and central governments and curative petitions regarding the ‘meagre’ civil and criminal liability would be filed. A five-member committee set up by the state government has also made this recommendation.
“The revised compensation package is simply peanuts. It does not provide anything for the bulk of the victims of this tragedy,” said Babulal Gaur, Madhya Pradesh minister for Bhopal gas relief, at the end of the GoM meetings.
Union home minister P Chidambaram, who chaired the nine-member team, told reporters that a special cabinet meeting would be held on June 25 to consider the recommendations. He said that though the report of the GoM has been finalised, its work is not over and it shall meet as and when other issues come up.
Amid Champions Trophy row, India to face arch-rivals Pakistan on THIS date
BIG move by Gautam Adani, as Adani Power cuts Bangladesh supply by over 60% due to...
PM Modi attacks Congress in Nashik rally, says party wants to create rift among OBCs
Health Insurance Claim Process: A Step-by-Step guide
Ali Haider emerges as a young, driven digital disruptor with ConnectPR
ACIBADEM LabMed Laboratories ensures high standards in medical testing
THIS is world's highest-valued currency, not dollar, pound, euro
'Forgive me if...’: Justice DY Chandrachud's final message as Chief Justice of India
Watch: KL Rahul's brain fade leads to bizarre dismissal in India A vs Australia A match
Meme fest erupts after Biden delivers speech with smiling face, netizens say, 'He voted for Trump'
Viral video: Netizens react in shock as woman washes hair with toxic foam from Yamuna river, watch
How Trump’s ‘America First’ policy opens doors for India’s regional power
42-year-old retired player breaks silence on registering for IPL, says, 'I have never...'
'Main pairon mein gir gaya': Virat Kohli recalls memorable encounter with Sachin Tendulkar - Watch
Is kala namak really a detox? Shalini Passi swears by this simple health hack
BIG blow to Mukesh Ambani, as Reliance Industries loses over Rs 4 lakh crore in...
West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph suspended for two ODIs; here's why
Himachal CM Sukhu's samosas, cakes served to security staff; CID probe on
'Conspiracy against Kashmir': PM Modi slams NC-Cong's Article 370 resolution
Meet Tamanna Bharat, who is all set to represent India at Miss Asia Global 2024 in Kerala
Bengaluru coconut vendor's viral ad challenges Zepto, Blinkit prices, netizen says 'let him cook'
Vvan: Sidharth Malhotra drops motion poster of folk mythological thriller, Kiara Advani reacts
Virat Kohli gets embarrassed as crowd sings 'Happy Birthday to you' in live event, WATCH viral video
Gym and fitness is all about overall health, not just good looks: BigMuscles Nutrition’s Suhel Vats
Station master's phone call with ex-wife led to Rs 3 crore loss to railways, know how
Uproar in J-K Assembly as BJP members protest over special status resolution
Aligarh Muslim University entitled to minority status under Article 30: SC
Collaborative global response a must to combat climate change effectively: Dr Sanju Purohit
Viral: Man rants about his GenZ colleague's leave to heal from breakup, gets trolled
Splitsvilla, Crime Petrol-fame actor Nitin Chauhaan passes away at 35 allegedly by suicide
Worrying signs for Mukesh Ambani's Rs 840960 crore company? Elon Musk will push Donald Trump to...
Have Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma moved back to Mumbai? Here's what we know
Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani are fond of these five dishes which cost Rs...
Meet Indian-origin Kashyap 'Kash' Patel, who could be Donald Trump's likely pick for CIA Chief
Donald Trump's second term worries Elon Musk's transgender daughter, says....
Meet IAS officer, who was a disabled bangle seller, cracked UPSC exam, is now serving in...
Meet IAS officer, who is nemesis of criminals, cracked UPSC exam with AIR 36, she is...
SC to pronounce verdict on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status today
Happy Chhath Puja 2024: Top 50 wishes, What'sApp messages, quotes to share with your loved ones
Viral video: Woman's sensual dance to 'namak' sets internet on fire, watch
SA vs IND, 1st T20I: Predicted playing XIs, live streaming details, weather and pitch report
SA vs IND, 1st T20I Dream11 prediction: Fantasy cricket tips for South Africa vs India match
Meet man who is set to lead Truecaller, not from IIT, IIM, earlier served Vice President of...
DNA TV Show: Why Pakistan worried about a Donald Trump presidency
Pakistan bow down as THIS country set to host India’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches
Amid heavy pollution in Delhi, these 12 Indian cities enjoy fresh, clean air
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian Dsena confides in Kashish Kapoor about his stepdaughters, talks about his...
After S Jaishankar's conference, India slams Canada for action against Australian news channel
Sidhu Moosewala's parents share NEW pic of his baby brother, netizens say 'so cute'
‘It definitely does a lot of good to my ego’: Aishwarya Rai gets candid in film promotion interview
Ignored for Australia Tests, India star slams sensational Ranji Trophy double ton
Interviewer asks Aishwarya Rai ‘how do you look so fab’, she says…
How Biden’s Lame-Duck Period Could Influence Policy Decisions After Choosing Not to Run in 2024
Watch: Viral video shows heated argument between passengers in Delhi metro
Virat Kohli's 'new chapter for me' post ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy sends internet into frenzy