Kerala announces ₹14 Lakh Ex Gratia for families of Thrissur Firecracker Blast Victims

The Kerala government has announced an ex gratia payment of ₹14 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the devastating firecracker unit explosion in Thrissur district earlier this year. The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Thursday.

The compensation will be provided to the dependents of all victims, including those identified through DNA testing. At least 16 people were killed in the powerful blast that occurred at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikode, Thrissur, on April 21.

The Cabinet also reviewed paddy procurement issues in Palakkad and approved measures to clear pending payments to farmers. The government will facilitate the release of ₹52 crore in dues to primary cooperative societies involved in paddy procurement, providing relief to farmers facing financial difficulties.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the removal of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons appointed by the previous government in various boards and corporations, with fresh appointments to be made soon. It also cleared the appointment of special government pleaders and senior government pleaders to represent the state before the Kerala High Court.