In a move prioritizing the safety and well-being of its workforce, the Punjab Government has rolled out an all-encompassing ‘Accident Compensation Policy’ tailored for employees of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).

The policy, crafted to provide financial support to a diverse array of employees, encompasses regular, contractual, and sub-contractual workers.  Shedding light on the salient features of the policy, that comes effective from December 8, 2023, the state Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Thursday said that the initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden faced by employees in the event of work-related accidents.

“Under this new policy, regular employees of PSPCL not only receive accidental benefits but are also entitled to medical advances of up to Rs three lakhs during emergencies, ensuring that they face no financial hardships in obtaining necessary medical treatment,” he said.

The policy's significance lies in its adaptability to the changing circumstances faced by employees. To better support workers on contractual terms, the ex-gratia assistance for fatal accidents has been magnanimously increased from Rs five lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs. Simultaneously, the group insurance amount for such workers has been elevated from Rs five lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs, offering enhanced financial protection.

Minister ETO highlighted a crucial aspect rectified by the policy – the lack of financial benefits for contractual and sub-contractual workers in the case of non-fatal accidents. “In the event of 100 percent disability, a substantial amount of Rs 10 lakhs will now be paid, addressing this gap. Compensation for disabilities will be proportionate to the severity of the incident,” he added.

Beyond the workforce, the policy extends its reach to non-adult private individuals, previously subject to limited compensation. Minister ETO underscored, “Acknowledging the risks faced by our staff in ensuring uninterrupted power supply, PSPCL has formulated a comprehensive policy for the proper implementation of compensations related to accidents.”

The policy introduces significant changes for regular employees, contractual workers directly hired by the PSPCL, contractual workers through contractors or outsourced agencies, and private persons. For regular employees, while the ex-gratia payment for fatal accidents remains at Rs 10 lakh, there’s now a provision for medical advances for the immediate treatment of injured employees after an accident due to electrocution.