Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 10: State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) today directed Power Development Department (PDD) to pay Rs 1 lakh relief to the wife of labourer who got electrocuted during repairing of an electric line in city here on past Sunday.
According to an official statement here, the case of the deceased labourer was listed before SHRC chairperson Justice (retired) Bilal Nazki today after he had taken its suo-moto cognizance. “Hilal Ahmad, Exen PDD has filed the report of Chief Engineer M&RE Kashmir. I have perused the report, it appears that a police case has been filed and departmental enquiry also initiated,” Justice Nazki said.
He said that the Commission hopes that the departmental enquiry will be concluded as early as possible. “The department is ready to pay an amount of Rs. 1 lakh as interim relief as directed by the Commission to the family of deceased. However the Executive Engineer seeks clarification as to whether amount could be given to any specific member of deceased’s family or his legal heirs.
“It is admitted that the deceased has left behind a widow and three children, therefore I direct the amount of Rs. One lakh be paid to the deceased’s wife,” Justice Nazki said, adding that the Department shall submit copy of the report of enquiry as soon as it is available. “Executive Engineer further informed that the person who received injuries is in hospital and is being taken care of. His condition is stable,” he added.
Pertinently, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat of Goripora locality of Rainawari died after being electrocuted during repair of the electric line while another labourer identified as Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, also from Goripora locality of Rainawari sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, Justice Nazki took suo-moto cognizance of a TV channel report regarding non-payment of wages to the sweepers in Bandipora district of north Kashmir.. The case was listed today before the SHRC.
“It has been brought to the notice of the Commission that in various schools in Bandipora district, the sweepers have been engaged on payment of Rs. 25 to Rs. 100 per month… Prima-facie, it appears to be gross violation of human rights. People are engaged by the State without even paying the minimum wages provided under the statue,” Justice Nazki said.
He directed that a notice be issued to Director School Education Kashmir/Jammu in this regard and both of them have been asked to file a complete list of employees working in various schools in the State which have been engaged on wages, which are less than minimum wages prescribed under the minimum wages act. “This report shall be furnished within four weeks,” the SHRC chairperson said.
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