5 days ago
Safety kits distributed to electricians of Pithapuram
Mangalagiri: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Sunday emphasised the importance of safety and security for electricians, who often risk their lives in their profession. He also announced plans to organise job fairs for unemployed youth in the Pithapuram constituency every three months.
Speaking at a meeting with 325 private electricians from across the Pithapuram constituency at his camp office in Mangalagiri, Pawan Kalyan distributed safety kits designed to protect them in their workplaces. Each kit includes essential electrical tools, rubber gloves, safety shoes, and a jacket.
Recalling a recent tragedy, Pawan Kalyan stated, 'The accidental death of Pallapu Suresh, a Dalit youth working as an electrician in Mallam village, Pithapuram constituency, last April, deeply disturbed me. Suresh died from electrocution while performing electrical repair work at someone's home. His death left his family without a breadwinner and in profound grief, while also leading to various conflicts within the village.'
A close examination of the circumstances surrounding Suresh's death highlighted two critical issues: his poverty and the lack of essential safety equipment, which directly contributed to his demise. The second issue was the absence of adequate financial security for his family in the event of an accidental death.
'Determined to prevent such incidents from recurring, we are distributing safety kits to all 325 private electricians in the Pithapuram constituency,' Pawan stated. 'I urge all electricians to diligently use these safety devices when performing electrical work. No one else should die from electrocution at the workplace.'
Beyond immediate safety, arrangements have also been made for financial compensation. 'Even with safety measures, if a life is lost, we have made provisions to provide Rs 2 lakh through the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, implemented by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, and another Rs 2 lakh through Chandranna Bima,' he announced.
Commissioner of the Panchayat Raj Department Krishnateja elaborated on recent changes in compensation. 'Three months ago, three labourers died after being hit by an auto. We provided Rs 50,000 compensation per person as per the existing government order,' he said. 'Upon learning of this, Pawan Kalyan revised a ten-year-old government order ensuring affected families now receive Rs 2 lakh in compensation.'
Furthermore, deeming Rs 2 lakh insufficient, Pawan Kalyan initiated a week-long drive to provide insurance to one crore labourers. 'In the future, if any labourer dies accidentally, their family will receive Rs 4 lakh in compensation.'
Kakinada district collector Sagili Shan Mohan stated that the government has decided to revive the welfare board for construction workers.
