LG wipes tears of deceased Punyawati’s family; announces ex-gratia relief
Port Blair, Dec 10: Anger and resentment in the fishermen community after the death of fisherwoman, Punyawati, allegedly for medical negligence, subsided after the Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A K Singh met the family of the deceased fisherwoman at Raj Niwas today and expressed his deep condolences. He also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh to the family, assured stringent action against errant medical staff, if established, and total administrative support for the bereaved family. The Lt Governor also made it clear that the Administration won’t tolerate any attempt to disrupt law and order situation in the Islands.
Interacting with a delegation of the fisher folks from South Andaman, the Lt. Governor informed that the Post Mortem Examination of Late Punyawati has been conducted in the presence of a Doctor from INHS Dhanvantri. The PME proceedings have been video-graphed and an inquiry is underway. Action will be taken against Doctors or paramedical staff of the hospital, if negligence of any sort, is established after the inquiry, he affirmed. The Administration has granted ex-gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh for the youngest daughter of the deceased, 17 year old V. Swati in the form of a fixed deposit in her name. On the demand for a regular government job, the Lt Governor, while expressing complete empathy with the bereaved family, made it clear that the Administration is not empowered to bestow jobs in such cases, more importantly when the girl is a minor. The Administration will make efforts to give her a job on daily rated basis after she attains 18 years of age and all guidance will be provided to help her secure a regular job in the Administration.
Meanwhile, talking with this Correspondent, the eldest daughter of late Punyawati, V. Kumari has assured that after the death of her mother, she will take care of the family. “It was a great feeling to meet the Lt Governor and after his assurance that the Administration will extend full support to our family, we are satisfied now”, she said.
Referring to the angry protests that followed after the demise of Puniyawati, the Lt. Governor cautioned the community to guard against disruptive behavior. “While every citizen has right to express their issues through peaceful agitations, protests that lead to damage of government property will not be accepted. The Administration is committed to serve the people of the Islands and take up cases on merit and logic but such unruly agitations will serve no purpose,” he said adding that the Police have been asked to take stern action against those elements, who damaged government property in the city.
On the fisher’s complaint of ill-treatment by the staff of GB Pant Hospital, the Lt. Governor asked the Principal Secretary (Health) and the Director of Health Services to conduct counselling sessions for doctors and Nursing staff. “The medical staff should infuse a sense of compassion towards patients so that the perception about discrimination is eliminated,” he said.
The Lt Governor also issued direction for constitution of a Committee for review of compensation schemes for fishermen affected by natural disasters. The Committee under the Chief Secretary and Secretary (Fisheries), will review the existing GoI Regulations on compensation and will submit its recommendations. The Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman) was directed to process the case for grant of compensation to the family of the missing fisherman.
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