GoM backs hike in compensation

“We are looking at them separately and then we will take a comprehensive view,” Chidambaram said,adding that the GoM was determined to address all issues,including relief,rehabilitation and remediation.

He said the ministerial panel will meet in two sessions tomorrow and on Sunday. “On Monday,we should be able to finalise the recommendations. We will give our best and most sympathetic consideration to all these people who have suffered as a result of this tragedy,” he said.

Today’s deliberations began with Chemicals and Fertilizers Secretary Vijay Chakravarty making a detailed presentation on the status of the Bhopal gas leak disaster. M K Alagiri,Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers,did not speak but laid down a two-page statement on the subject.

According to sources,Chidambaram told the members that they could divide all issues into three distinct categories,and these would be dealt accordingly in the meetings over the next two days. Sources said the first was the compensation part,which also included medical related issues. The second would be issues related to legal aspects including the issue of Dow liability,while the third was the issue of environmental remediation.

“Tomorrow,we will look at legal and health issues,remediation issues and all other issues that arise out of the judgment of the trial court,” Chidambaram said.

Union Ministers M Veerappa Moily (Law),Ghulam Nabi Azad (Health),Kamal Nath (Surface Transport),M K Alagiri (Chemicals),Kumari Selja (Tourism),S Jaipal Reddy (Urban Development),Prithviraj Chavan (Science and Technology) and Jairam Ramesh (Environment) were present. Madhya Pradesh Minister Babulal Gaur also attended the meeting as special invitee. Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar,Home Secretary G K Pillai,Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao were among the officials who attended the meeting.

Chidambaram said he would not be in a position to share any details about the conclusion till the report is submitted to the Prime Minister.name