Attack by wild animals -- Relief hiked to Rs 1 lakh

Attack by wild animals -- Relief hiked to Rs 1 lakh
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

®NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 25: The Government has enhanced the ex-gratia payment in cases of death or permanent incapacitation of any person by wild animals to Rs one lakh from Rs 20,000.

An earlier report stating the amount to be Rs four lakh was incorrect, a ministry spokesman said on Saturday adding that the amount was Rs one lakh.The state governments have been requested to authorise local officers to pay at least 25 per cent of this amount as interim relief to the family of the victim, an official release said here on Saturday. The balance amount would be released after completing the formalities, it said, adding the compensation in grievous injuries would continue to be one-third of the amount fixed for cases of death and permanent incapacitation.

Adequate compensation has been one of the major flash points between wildlife authorities and victims, mainly people living in the vicinity of protected areas, and the Centre has already directed the state governments to make early assessment and disburse the amount without delay.