Mangaluru: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) has announced an aid of Rs 1.2 crore for the kin of contract electrician Manish Karkada, who died in a blast following a fire at the processing unit.The announcement came after 150 to 200 contract workers and union members protested outside the MRPL cargo gate at Kuthethur Thursday, demanding compensation for Karkada’s family, medical insurance for contract workers, stronger workplace safety measures and permanent employment for one member of the bereaved family.
Rudolph VJ Noronha, chief general manager, corporate branding and corporate communications, stated that MRPL has decided to extend financial support of Rs 90 lakh to the family. In addition, the family will be eligible for benefits of approximately Rs 10 lakh under the group term life insurance and Rs 20 lakh under the workmen compensation policy, taking the overall financial support and insurance benefits to Rs 1.2 crore.The proposal for mediclaim insurance for the secondary workforce is being drafted and discussed. It will be finalised within four weeks following discussions with Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta and deputy commissioner Darshan HV.The protest intensified around 1pm after union leaders gave the management 30 minutes to respond to their demands. Prashanth Poduval, group general manager, human resources, and Manoj Kumar, chief general manager, human resources, reached the gate around 1.25pm and addressed the protesters on behalf of the managing director.The managing director was at wenlock hospital attending to the formalities related to Karkada’s mortal remains.Poduval expressed condolences on behalf of the company and said MRPL deeply regretted the incident and stood in solidarity with the bereaved family. He later announced the management’s decision on the compensation package and insurance-related demands.Satyajit Surathkal, honorary president of MRPL Mazdoor Sangha, said the unions’ sustained efforts had ensured fair compensation for the family.Prashant Mubaikodi, founder and general secretary of Karmachari Sangha, said the unions had sought written assurances on mediclaim insurance and would follow up on its implementation for all contract workers.Bharath Raj Krishnapura, from BJP’s Yuva Morcha, said the safety and lives of the secondary workforce should not be taken for granted.Meanwhile, residents of areas bordering MRPL are demanding immediate relocation following the blast. According to the district administration, 54 houses were damaged in Jokatte, Kalavaru and Bala, while eight places of worship were damaged in Jokatte and Kalavaru.MLC Ivan D’Souza visited the affected areas and said that about four acres of land must be acquired to free the residents from this danger.
