Kolkata, July 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday announced a comprehensive relief package for the families affected by the Taratala warehouse roof collapse, including financial assistance, employment support, free medical treatment and educational aid for children of the victims.

At a programme held at Nabanna Sabhaghar in the state secretariat, the Chief Minister handed over cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the 16 workers who lost their lives in the June 24 tragedy. Those injured in the accident received financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each.

Addressing the victims’ families, Adhikari assured them that the state government would continue to stand by them in the days ahead. He announced that all injured workers would receive free treatment and medicines until they make a complete recovery.

The Chief Minister also said that the government would try to provide employment to one member from each bereaved family, depending on their educational qualifications.

“I am giving the responsibility to Kolkata Municipal Corporation administrator Smita Pandey and Municipal and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul. They will see where there are job opportunities and provide them to the members of the families accordingly. You will contact the municipal corporation directly. Smita Pandey and Agnimitra Paul will look into the matter and inform you within seven to 10 days. I hope we can do something. However, we will also have to check your educational qualifications. If you have not passed Madhyamik (secondary examination), it will be a problem,” Adhikari said.

He also directed officials to explore the possibility of engaging members of both the deceased and injured workers’ families in suitable work under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

In addition to the immediate relief, Adhikari said the state government was considering providing monthly financial assistance to the families of those who died in the tragedy.

He further announced that the government would bear the educational expenses of the victims’ children. From the same platform, he instructed Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee to ensure that all injured workers receive completely free treatment and medicines until they recover.

The tragedy occurred on June 24 when the roof of an under-construction warehouse in Taratala, south Kolkata, collapsed, trapping several workers under the debris. According to official figures, 16 people were killed, and more than 15 others were injured in the accident.

-IANS

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