While condoling the death of over 30 people in a fire cracker unit in Virudhunagar District, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Wednesday ordered payment of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin, Rs.25,000 to the seriously injured persons and Rs.10,000 for those who sustained simple injuries.
An official release said that the Chief Minister was pained to hear that 78 persons also sustained injuries in the fire mishap.
While praying for their speedy recovery, she deputed five of her cabinet colleagues, including Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam, to console the relatives of the victims and also meet the injured persons.
The local administration has been asked to provide proper treatment to the injured and a medical team has been sent from Madurai, the release said.
Action against owners sought
Besides demanding action against owners of the fireworks and officials who had failed to ensure proper safety measures in the cracker manufacturing unit, political parties in the State on Wednesday demanded Rs. 10 lakh compensation to the families of those killed in the accident.
The Pattali Makkal Katchi leader, S. Ramadoss, the CPI(M) State secretary G. Ramakrishnan and Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi leader Thol Thirumavalavan demanded Rs. 10 lakh compensation. Dr. Ramadoss demanded Rs. 2 lakh each to the injured.
Mr. Ramakrishnan said the government should take steps to put in place safety measures.
