Prime Minister expresses anguish over the loss of lives due to tunnel collapse in Namchi, Sikkim

Why in news

The Prime Minister expressed grief and announced ex-gratia compensation from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims of a tunnel collapse in Namchi, Sikkim.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS2, GS3 · Society, Governance, Disaster Management · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. A tunnel collapse occurred in Namchi, Sikkim.
2. The Prime Minister expressed anguish over the loss of lives.
3. Ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each deceased.
4. Ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 50,000 will be given to the injured.
5. The compensation is announced from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Prelims pointers

• PMNRF provides ex-gratia compensation.
• Compensation amounts announced for deceased and injured in the Sikkim tunnel collapse.
• The incident occurred in Namchi, Sikkim.

Mains practice question

Examine the role of the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) in providing succor during major accidents and natural calamities, with reference to the recent tunnel collapse in Sikkim.

Static linkage

The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) is a fund established to provide relief to people in distress owing to major natural or man-made disasters. It is also used for other purposes, such as assisting in the purchase of medicines and aids for the poor, and for the welfare of victims of major accidents. The fund is administered by the Prime Minister's Office.

Significance

The incident highlights the risks associated with under-construction infrastructure projects, particularly in ecologically sensitive and geographically challenging regions like Sikkim. The prompt announcement of ex-gratia relief from PMNRF underscores the government's commitment to providing immediate support to affected families during times of crisis. It also brings attention to disaster preparedness and response mechanisms for such accidents.