Did CM Mohan Majhi Announce Ex Gratia for 6 Odia Migrants Killed in Andhra Quarry Blast?
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Synopsis
The tragic loss of six Odia migrant workers in a quarry blast in Andhra Pradesh has prompted Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to announce financial support for their families. This incident not only highlights the dangers faced by migrant laborers but also raises questions about safety regulations in such operations.
Key Takeaways
- Six Odia workers tragically died in a quarry blast.
- CM Mohan Majhi announced Rs 4 lakhs compensation for each family.
- The incident highlights the need for better worker safety measures.
- A total of 403 migrant workers from Odisha have died in similar incidents since 2015.
- Inadequate safety precautions have been cited as a possible cause.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has expressed profound sorrow over the unfortunate demise of six laborers from the state due to a significant explosion at a stone quarry in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday.
The victims, identified as Danda Badatya, Banamala Chehra, Bhashkar Bishoi, and Santosh Goud from Ganjam district, along with Takun Dalai and Musa Jan from Gajapati district, tragically lost their lives in this incident.
According to a post from the Chief Minister's Office on X, CM Majhi conveyed his condolences and declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakhs to each family affected by this tragedy.
This financial aid will be disbursed from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
The incident has once again highlighted the precarious situation faced by Odia migrant workers who travel to other states in search of employment.
Official statistics reveal that over 403 migrant workers from Odisha have died while working outside the state from 2015 to 2024. Notably, six workers were killed when large boulders collapsed on them during a granite quarry operation in Andhra Pradesh.
The explosion occurred at a private quarry near Ballikurava in the Bapatla district during standard operations. Reports indicate that other workers sustained injuries and were transported to various medical facilities.
Eight individuals with serious injuries were admitted to a hospital in Narsaraopeta.
The workers had started their shift at 9 a.m. on Sunday, and shortly thereafter, boulders fell on them during the blasting procedure.
It is believed that insufficient safety measures contributed to this disaster.
Similar tragedies have occurred in granite quarries across Andhra Pradesh previously. For instance, on May 16, three individuals lost their lives in a blast at a private granite quarry in Dabbaguda, Srikakulam district, where the use of gelatine sticks was suspected to be the cause.
The quarry management allegedly attempted to mislead authorities by attributing the deaths to lightning strikes.
Point of View
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by migrant workers across India. The loss of life raises critical questions about workplace safety and the responsibility of employers to ensure safe working conditions. As a nation, we must advocate for better protections for laborers, particularly those who travel far from home in search of work.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the quarry blast?
The blast occurred during routine operations at a granite quarry, with reports suggesting that inadequate safety measures might have been a contributing factor.
What compensation has been announced for the victims' families?
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakhs for each bereaved family from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred at a private quarry near Ballikurava in the Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh.
How many migrant workers from Odisha have died in similar incidents?
According to official data, over 403 migrant workers from Odisha have lost their lives while working in other states from 2015 to 2024.
What measures are being taken to ensure worker safety?
The incident highlights the urgent need for improved safety regulations in workplaces, particularly in the mining and construction sectors.
