Citizen's Forum Letter to Director regarding compensation to Shri Ram Sharan's widow

From: Citizens' Forum, IITK
To: Indranil Manna, Director, IITK
CC: DORA; Chair, FF; Professor in charge of constructions; Deputy Registrar
Subject: Compensation for death of a worker
Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 19:40:35 +0000

Dear Prof. Manna,

It has been more than 6 months that Ram Sharan, a contract worker died at a IITK construction site. His wife Samtuliya still awaits the compensation.

We have learned from IITK officials (thru RTI) that the compensation amount has been deposited at the commissioner’s office and yet Samtuliya has not seen it. She along with her three children (one of them born posthumously after father’s death) remain destitute after a meaningless death and for no fault of hers.

The fact is that her husband died at one of our construction sites. As has been the case numerous times one-man enquiry always puts the fault either at the worker or an unfortunate accident. The fact remains that poorly designed or implemented procedures may as much be the reason for these accidents which in this case was quite evident. We hope forthcoming hiring of a safety inspector and Professor in charge of constructions may try to eliminate these situations.

The purpose of this letter however is to highlight the plight of the widow of a worker who died at a IITK work site. We do recognise that the Institute and the contractor may have met their legal responsibility. In the past we had suggested that in case of an accidental death, a coordinator be appointed by the Institute. This person could facilitate follow-up and handling of various things in Labour and other concerned offices including compensation for the bereaved family.  

While it may be in the realm of moral responsibility, we believe that all what is possible should be done to help the widow receive the funds. Death is a tremendous tragedy and she could use some help. We request the Institute to ensure that it goes a step beyond its duty under legal obligations to help the widow receive her due through the quagmire of Labour office.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sushil Handa
On behalf of Citizens Forum of IITK alumni

c.c Prof. Sudhir Misra, Professor in Charge of constructions
Prof. Prabhat Munshi, DORA
Mr. C.P. Singh, Deputy Registrar
Prof. Y. Singh, Chair Faculty Forum