IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, with Union Minister of State Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, MP M. Sribharat and TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao, meeting the kin of workers killed in the RINL steel plant blast, in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: V. Raju
IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) said that the government was not merely extending financial assistance to the families of the victims of the recent blast at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), but was standing firmly with them during one of the most difficult phases of their lives.Speaking to the media at the plant after inspecting the accident site, Mr. Lokesh said that the first phase of compensation of ₹25 lakh would be provided to the families immediately, as directed by Union Minister for Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy. He added that after the completion of the final rites and the traditional 11-day mourning period, the affected families would be invited to Amaravati for detailed discussions on their future welfare and rehabilitation.“The focus should not only be on compensation but also on securing the future of the victims’ families. Special attention must be paid to the education and welfare of their children,” he said.Responding to a minor altercation that occurred at King George Hospital (KGH) among some worker union representatives, Mr. Lokesh alleged that a few union members raised irrelevant issues and reduced the discussion to financial compensation alone.“It is not just about giving money. We have to ensure long-term support to the affected families,” he said.Highlighting the response of the NDA governments at both the Centre and the State, Mr. Lokesh noted that Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy reached the accident site within hours of the incident. Home Minister V. Anitha, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat and several NDA leaders were continuously monitoring the situation and supporting the victims’ families.He further pointed out that Mr. Kumaraswamy had personally announced permanent employment for one eligible member from each affected family, describing it as an unprecedented decision taken in response to the tragedy.Rejecting criticism from Opposition leaders regarding the government’s handling of emergencies, Mr. Lokesh said the State administration maintains an “Instant Management” WhatsApp group that includes Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and senior ministers to ensure a rapid response to accidents and disasters.“Whenever an accident occurs, ministers immediately reach the spot and ensure all necessary assistance is provided. This is our responsibility,” he said.
