Delhi govt sets up special cell for HC blast victims

The move came soon after victims and their families complained to Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit about "inadequate compensation" during her visit to RML hospital where the injured are undergoing treatment.

Following the complain, the Chief Minister directed senior officials of Health and Revenue Department to set up the cell and consider each and every case of the victims "very sympathetically".

In the hospital, Dikshit individually met 14 victims who are undergoing treatment in Resuscitation Unit, Ortho Trauma Centre and ICU and assured them all possible help and "best medical treatment" even after their discharge from the hospital.

The victims expressed concern about their future and sought permanent rehabilitation. Dikshit said the cell will look into all concerns and demands of the victims and try to provide feasible solutions.

After the blast last Tuesday, Dikshit had announced a compensation of Rs four lakh each to the families of those killed in the blast while Rs 2 lakh compensation was announced for those permanently incapacitated, besides Rs 10,000 for those sustaining minor injuries.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of those killed and Rs one lakh to the injured in the blast.

Officials said the 'special cell' will be located in the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) of New Delhi district located at Jam Nagar House near the India Gate.

They said the victims conveyed their satisfaction to Dikshit about the treatment in the hospital and appreciated efforts of the doctors and other para-medical staff.

Dikshit instructed the health department to provide required medical help to the victims at any Delhi government-run hospitals even after their discharge from RML Hospital.

"The victims will be provided regular medical care at the government-run hospital nearest to their residence," said an official.

A group of family members of the victims had yesterday met Dikshit demanding better compensation and help as well as government jobs.