Prime Minister Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Compensation for Families of Eight Drowning Victims in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (September 14, 2024) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where eight people drowned while immersing Ganesha idols in the Meshwo river. In a gesture of compassion and support, the Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased
The incident occurred on Friday evening in Vasna Sogthi village, when a group of people had gathered for the immersion of Ganesha idols as part of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. Tragically, eight individuals, including several children, lost their lives in the accident
Prime Minister Modi, who represents Gandhinagar constituency in the Lok Sabha, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He praised the resilience and strength of the local community and assured them of the government's support during this difficult time
The ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh per family, to be provided from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), is intended to alleviate the financial burden and provide some solace to the affected families
In addition to the ex-gratia, the Prime Minister also directed the state government to ensure that all necessary assistance and support are provided to the families of the victims. He emphasized the importance of strengthening safety measures and increasing awareness about water safety during festivals involving immersion of idols
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and the Prime Minister's gesture is seen as a show of solidarity and support in their time of grief. The ex-gratia payment will help the families cope with the sudden loss and provide them with some financial stability in the aftermath of the tragedy
The Prime Minister's prompt response and the provision of ex-gratia highlight the government's commitment to standing by the people in times of crisis and providing them with the necessary support and assistance
As the nation mourns the loss of these precious lives, the Prime Minister's gesture serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and being prepared for emergencies, especially during festive celebrations. It is a call to action for all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the public, to work together to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
