Payment under Workmen’s Compensation Act

Rajesh Sevaram Das, a construction worker worked on the site of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) in Brijwasan, Delhi in December 2009. The execution for laying the pipes on the site was given to Corrtech International Pvt. Ltd., an Ahmedabad based company.

On 3 December 2009, Rajesh was digging earth at the site, when a huge amount of earth fell on him leading to his death on the spot. As a result of his death, the Corrtech International lost the contract. The company only paid a sum of Rs 1 lakh to his family as immediate relief.

Nirman Majdoor Shakti Sangathan, took up his case and after several rounds at both BPCL, the principal employer and Corrtech International, filed for compensation under the Workmen’s Compensation Act in Ahmedabad. After many hearings and almost one and a half years, an order was finally passed on 14 May 2011, where an amount of Rs. 4,50, 550 /- was paid.

Corrtech International Pvt. Ltd and United Insurance Company Limited was asked by the Court to deposit a sum of Rs 1.5 lakh each in the father and mother’s name for a period of five years as fixed deposit, along with a sum of Rs. 35,222 to each one of them immediately. Further, another deposit of Rs. 80,000 was asked to be made in the name of the deceased’s sister.