Is There No Compensation Policy for Plane Crash Victims?
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Synopsis
Amid rising concerns over civilian casualties in plane crashes, the Civil Aviation Ministry has confirmed the absence of a compensation policy for ground victims. The recent Ahmedabad tragedy has reignited calls for urgent reform to protect families affected by such incidents.
Key Takeaways
- No existing compensation policy for ground victims of plane crashes.
- Government acknowledges the need for a structured approach.
- Families face legal hurdles to secure compensation.
- Call for a Ground Victim Compensation Policy similar to the Montreal Convention.
- Public pressure is crucial for policy reform.
Jaipur, July 24 (NationPress) The Ministry of Civil Aviation disclosed to the Lok Sabha on Thursday that the government currently lacks a dedicated policy for compensating civilians who lose their lives in plane crashes.
This announcement was made in response to an inquiry from National Democratic Party President and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal.
The tragic incident in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers and additional civilians after a plane collided with a hospital, has sparked significant concerns regarding compensation for ground victims. Although the Montreal Convention of 1999 guarantees fixed and timely compensation for fatalities on board, there is no equivalent provision for individuals who perish on the ground.
Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, acknowledged in a written response that: “Currently, there is no policy that obligates airlines to provide compensation for loss of life or property on the ground.”
The government also indicated that there are no immediate plans to develop such a policy.
MP Beniwal voiced grave concerns over the matter, noting that the Ahmedabad incident led to the loss of several lives, including two MBBS students from Rajasthan.
He emphasized the lack of a direct compensation system for ground casualties, stressing that affected families must resort to civil litigation against the airline, needing to establish fault to secure any compensation.
He pointed out that, while some state governments provide assistance in these situations, it is neither consistent nor obligatory. Although compensation through airlines' third-party insurance exists, the process is complicated, technical, and often lengthy—forcing grieving families into protracted legal and bureaucratic battles.
Beniwal questioned whether the life of an ordinary citizen is deemed less valuable simply because they were not aboard the aircraft.
He called for the establishment of a clear, binding, and timely Ground Victim Compensation Policy, akin to the Montreal Convention, and insisted that airlines be held accountable for automatic compensation under third-party liability.
He also shared the government's response on the social media platform X, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, reiterating his demand for prompt action on this pressing issue.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the ongoing conversation surrounding the lack of compensation for ground victims of plane crashes. The absence of a structured policy not only raises ethical questions but also demands immediate attention from the government. The citizens' safety and justice should never be compromised; thus, it is essential for lawmakers to prioritize the establishment of fair compensation mechanisms.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current compensation policy for plane crash victims?
Currently, there is no specific policy in place for compensating civilians killed in plane crashes, particularly those on the ground.
What did the Civil Aviation Ministry say?
The Ministry confirmed to the Lok Sabha that there are no existing regulations mandating airlines to compensate for ground casualties.
How can families claim compensation?
Affected families must file civil suits against airlines and prove fault to claim any compensation, as there is no direct compensation mechanism.
What was the response from the government regarding this issue?
The government stated there are no immediate plans to create a compensation policy for ground victims of plane crashes.
Why is it important to have a compensation policy?
A compensation policy would ensure accountability and provide necessary support to families affected by tragic accidents, recognizing the value of all civilian lives.
