Hit by the raging Bhopal gas tragedy controversy, the government on Friday began exploring options, including a special compensation package worth Rs 982 crores, for the victims. The compensation package worked out by the Planning Commission is part of comprehensive demands placed before the Centre by successive state governments.
The group of ministers (GoM) on the Bhopal gas tragedy, decided in its first meting on Friday, under the chairmanship of Union home minister P. Chidambaram, to look into all aspects, including relief, rehabilitation and environmental issues. It would also look into the government’s legal options in the wake of the recent trial court judgment in the case.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mr Chidambaram, however, evaded a direct query on the extradition of former Union Carbide Corp. chief Warren Anderson. He indicated that the main focus of the GoM would be on compensation, rehabilitation and detoxification of affected areas. There will be four more GoM meetings in the next two days before the report is submitted to the PM on Monday, he said, adding that the GoM would be “able to finalise recommendations” by the weekend.
“We are looking at them separately and then we will take a comprehensive view,” Mr Chidambaram said. The home minister said the government is now looking at the number of people affected, the number of claims accepted and claims categorised as death and injury cases. “We will give our best, and most sympathetic consideration, to all those who have suffered as a result of this tragedy,” the minister added.
The GoM identified the areas that require in-depth consideration in the wake of the mandate given by the PM.