A tragic accident occurred on Monday night at Tata Steel's Jamshedpur plant, claiming the life of 50-year-old contract worker Vijay Kumar Panigrahi. Employed by Vivek Construction, Panigrahi was working in the Hot Strip Mill (HSM) department when the fatal incident took place. Tata Steel expressed deep sorrow over the loss and confirmed the incident, urging the media to rely on verified information to prevent the spread of unfounded news.
In a swift response to the tragedy, an agreement regarding compensation was facilitated on Tuesday through the initiative of Jamshedpur East MLA Purnima Sahu. Her representative, former BJP district president Gunjan Yadav, helped mediate between the victim’s family and the management of the contract company.
The agreement was finalized at the victim’s residence in Birsanagar, and is being seen as a humane and sensitive gesture. As part of the arrangement, an immediate ex-gratia payment of 5 lakh was transferred to the family through RTGS by the contracting firm. Additionally, provisions were made to expedite the release of approximately ?10.5 lakh from provident fund, ESIC, and gratuity accounts.
In a significant decision ensuring long-term financial security, the contract company agreed to treat Panigrahi’s service age as extending up to 60 years. As per the written agreement, the family will receive a monthly assistance of ?50,000 for the next 60 years.
Gunjan Yadav remarked, “We cannot undo the loss of life, but we can stand with the grieving family in their time of need. MLA Purnima Sahu is committed to continuing support for the family moving forward.”
BJP state executive committee member Mithilesh Singh Yadav, Birsanagar Mandal BJP president Bablu Gop, former Mandal president Boltu Sarkar, and several local residents and well-wishers were present during the proceedings.
