58 families to get Rs5 lakh each

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 21

The state government will distribute financial aid to the victims of Amritsar rail tragedy over the next two days. While the families of 58 persons killed in the mishap will be given Rs 5 lakh each, the injured (137) will get Rs 50,000 each.

To finalise the arrangements for aid distribution, the crisis management group, headed by Health Minister Brahm Mohindra, held a review meeting here on Sunday.

The minister said barring one, all those killed had been identified. On the directions of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh for a need-based solution for rehabilitation of the victims, the crisis management group directed the Amritsar DC and Commissioner of Police to make a detailed socio-economic profile of each of them.

Chief Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar has been directed by the Chief Minister to do more than just give compensation to the kin of the dead, especially in cases where the families are poor.

The government is in touch with NGOs and welfare organisations for the rehabilitation of widows.

Mohindra said he visited the civil hospital and medical college on Sunday to inquire about the injured.

CM leaves for Israel

After assessing the situation and talking to the members of the crisis management group, the CM along with his entourage flew to Israel at 5 pm on Sunday. An official team is already in Tel Aviv. Capt Amarinder is slated to meet Israel President Reuven Rivlin on Tuesday. After Israel, the CM is scheduled to visit Turkey on a private visit before returning on October 30.