The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notice to the Centre over nonpayment of compensation to the victims of gas cylinder blast in Bhubaneswar and called for a report within four weeks.
Acting on a petition filed by rights campaigner Subash Mohapatra, the apex human rights watchdog issued notice to Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry Secretary.
The petitioner has alleged that one woman was killed and three others injured a gas cylinder burst on December 30 last year in OUAT Government quarters in Unit VIII in the city and they were not paid any compensation or insurance though premiums are mandatorily collected from the customers.
“The insurance policy taken by oil companies is good for consumers. But the oil PSUs also need to improve awareness among the public. In fact, even though insurance cover is available, it is usually the State Government that gives compensation to the victims, while oil PSUs are paying such a high insurance premium. What is the use if the public is not made aware of this provisionIJ” Mohapatra contended.
He urged the NHRC to direct the Central Government to work with oil PSUs and other stakeholders to ensure public awareness and immediate payment of insurance compensation in the reported case in particular.