In the bustling city of Pune, a retired public servant has turned his daily routine into a mission of compassion and justice. Nilkanth Mandhre, a resident of Nana Peth, dedicates his time to identifying and assisting victims of accidents involving Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses, ensuring they receive the compensation they are entitled to.
A Daily Mission of Compassion
Every morning, Mandhre begins his day by meticulously scanning newspapers for reports of PMPML bus accidents. After carefully reading the details, he takes the next crucial step: visiting the local police station where the accident was registered. His goal is to obtain the identities and addresses of the victims or their families.
"It has become routine for me, and I do it to help people," Mandhre told the Times of India. Having always been a user of public transport himself, he understands the struggles of common citizens. He is driven by the knowledge that many victims are unaware of the compensation system, leading them to spend large sums on medical treatment or fall prey to lawyers charging exorbitant fees.
Navigating Challenges to Provide Aid
The process, as Mandhre describes it, is arduous. Police officials are often uncooperative, making him wait, getting irritated, or sending him away to return later. "They make me wait and get irritated and angry. But I stay calm and talk to them to provide information," he shared. Despite facing rejection and failure on multiple attempts, his determination does not waver.
When he successfully gets the information, he directly visits the victims' homes. In cases of fatalities, he approaches grieving families with sensitivity, aiming to ensure they know the process to claim compensation. "The situation is grim, but I want to ensure that they know the process and get the compensation," he added.
His efforts have borne significant fruit. Official records show that between April and October this year, PMPML recorded 22 accidents, resulting in 15 deaths and 11 injuries. In this landscape, Mandhre has personally met with 30 affected individuals and families. Impressively, 22 of them have successfully received compensation with his guidance. He carries photocopies of the required process and documents to assist them.
Understanding the PMPML Compensation Rules
Mandhre's work highlights a system that remains obscure to many. As per PMPML regulations:
- If a person is injured in a PMPML bus accident, the victim is entitled to a compensation of Rs 50,000. This amount is paid directly to the hospital where the victim is admitted, upon receipt of the treatment invoice.
- If the treatment cost exceeds Rs 50,000, the victim must bear the additional amount.
- In case of death, a compensation of Rs 2 lakh is paid by the PMPML to the victim's family, following proper documentation and verification of all papers, as confirmed by PMPML's Public Relations Officer Kishor Chauhan.
Mandhre points out a critical gap: "People don't know that this system of compensation exists. PMPML does not proactively inform people." This lack of awareness is what he strives to combat, even when his motives are sometimes questioned by those he tries to help.
Nilkanth Mandhre, who retired from the Public Works Department (PWD) in 2016, exemplifies how individual initiative can bridge the gap between bureaucratic systems and public welfare. His quiet, persistent campaign in Pune ensures that tragedy is not compounded by financial hardship, offering a lifeline to those in desperate need.
