Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 30: Thirteen civilian porters have lost their lives at Siachen Glacier, world’s highest battle field in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir during the past three decades as Army has engaged 820 porters there.
In reply to a Calling Attention Motion of Deldan Namgial, Minister for Finance, Labour and Employment Haseeb Drabu said,”at present 820 porters are engaged at Siachen Glacier since 1984 to March 2016.”
He said 13 porters have lost their lives in the higher reaches of the Glacier.
He said compensation has been paid in all cases as per Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923 and provisions of the Labour Law as applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.
However, he said, given the nature of job of these porters, it would not be feasible to disclose their names and other particulars.
Mr Namgial alleged that porters have to Rs 740 premium against an insurance cover for Rs one lakh. The insurance amount is paid only when the death is due to firing, buried under snow and fell into gorge, the MLA from Zanaskar said adding in case the death is due to ailment or any other reason no insurance payment is paid.
However, the Dr Drabu said though the matter belongs to Defence authorities, but since those working as porters belongs to State.
We will see how to bring them under any other insurance cover, he said.
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