Did 'SIR-related deaths' prompt Mamata Banerjee to announce Rs 2 lakh compensation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Compensation of Rs 2,00,000 for families affected by SIR-related deaths.
- Support for booth-level officers facing health issues due to SIR pressure.
- Call for constructive dialogue with the Union government.
- Commitment to secular governance in West Bengal.
- Recognition of the mental health impacts of bureaucratic pressures.
Kolkata, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, declared a compensation package for individuals who are reported to have died by suicide or suffered health issues attributed to the alleged stress of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state.
Additionally, the Chief Minister revealed that compensation would also be extended to those whose health had deteriorated after attempts to take their lives or after falling ill, purportedly due to the pressures associated with SIR.
Compensation will also be granted to the booth-level officers (BLOs) involved in the SIR process, who either succumbed or faced serious health challenges due to the alleged pressure. This announcement was made during an event where she presented a progress report detailing the accomplishments of the West Bengal government under her leadership since 2011, marking the beginning of the Trinamool Congress era and the conclusion of the 34-year Left Front governance in the state.
As per her statements, families of individuals who reportedly lost their lives due to SIR-related pressures will receive Rs 2,00,000 each.
Furthermore, those who survived but experienced severe health complications will be eligible for a compensation of Rs 1,00,000 each. The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative serves as a message to the affected individuals and their families, showing that the state government stands by them during these challenging times.
She estimated that 39 individuals have died as a result of suicide or health issues stemming from SIR-related stress.
During her address, she also urged the Union government to engage in constructive dialogue with the West Bengal administration regarding contentious matters instead of issuing unilateral directives reminiscent of the British colonial rule.
"Please refrain from imposing any coercive directives that could lead to hardships for ordinary citizens. Nonetheless, if such measures are taken, the state government will do its utmost to support the populace. Our accountability lies solely with the people, democracy, and the Constitution of India," the Chief Minister stated.
She reiterated that West Bengal has never accommodated nor will it permit communal politics, expressing her steadfast commitment to secular governance.