Survivors of the explosion that occurred near Delhi's historic Red Fort on November 10 are facing a harsh reality. While many of their injuries were officially classified as 'minor', the aftermath has been devastating, with mounting medical costs and shattered livelihoods. The compensation of Rs 20,000 promised by the government, they argue, is grossly inadequate to cover their losses.
A Promise That Falls Short
The affected individuals have now formally written to the Delhi government, urging a thorough review of the compensation amount. In their appeal, they have cited several past precedents where higher compensation was granted for injuries, including the 2005 Delhi serial blasts, the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast, and the 2008 Ghaffar Market and Connaught Place blasts, as well as the 2011 Delhi High Court blast. They are pleading for the maximum possible relief, stating that the current sum does not reflect the severity of their ongoing struggles.
Lives Upended, Futures Uncertain
The human cost of the blast is starkly visible in individual stories. Twenty-three-year-old Shaina Parveen suffered severe damage to her right eardrum and injuries to the left side of her face. The incident forced her to resign from her accounting job. "We should be given jobs. If I have a job, I would sustain myself," she said. Her personal life was equally upended; her wedding was first postponed and then cancelled.
Shaina's fight for health continues, with her father, who earns a living by lending out auto-rickshaws, bearing the brunt of her medical expenses. She revealed that she has already spent over Rs 30,000 solely on pain medication since being discharged from the hospital.
'Minor' Tag, Major Problems
Another survivor, a 26-year-old woman, sustained injuries to her leg and eyes. Following the blast, she was asked to resign from her employment. Her father expressed deep frustration with the authorities' handling of their case. He alleged that she was quickly given the 'minor injuries' tag and discharged within five days, only to face immense difficulty in securing follow-up treatment later, forcing them to turn to a private hospital.
"What is Rs 20,000 even worth? It is also not about the money, she has gone through so much, don't we deserve better?" he questioned, adding that even after more than a month, his daughter is still undergoing treatment.
Call for a Compassionate Review
Social worker Ashok Randhawa, who assists blast victims, acknowledged the government's efforts but highlighted the shortfall. "Although the government has been extremely helpful towards the victims and the survivors, the amount promised to those who sustained minor injuries is very low," he stated. This sentiment echoes the collective plea of the survivors who seek not just financial aid but a recognition of the profound and lasting impact the explosion has had on their lives, careers, and well-being.
