By IANS,
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday announced compensation of Rs.200,000 each for the next of kin of deceased in the Assam boat accident that has left nearly 70 people dead and 150 missing.
“The prime minister announces an ex-gratia relief of Rs.2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased in yesterday’s (Monday) unfortunate boat tragedy Assam,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted.
Rescue operations continued in the Brahmaputra in Assam Tuesday, a day after a ferry capsized in the river killing nearly 70 people, but with at least 150 still missing.
Manmohan Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP from the state, Monday expressed shock about the loss of lives in the boat tragedy and conveyed his deepest condolences to the near and dear ones of those who lost their lives, said an official release.
He has also instructed officials for all possible assistance to the state government in relief operations and also for assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to families of the deceased.