Govt officials, politicians, businessmen take to streets to collect money for Balasore train mishap victims

The streets of Rajnagar in Kendrapara witnessed an uncommon sight on Tuesday evening when people’s representatives, bureaucrats, and businessmen came out begging for alms.

They were begging to collect money for the treatment of passengers injured in the Balasore train mishap.

Zilla Parishad Vice President, Ashok Padhihary said, “The way our Prime Minister and Chief Minister helped the families of the deceased and the injured, was commendable. We are following their steps and will donate all the money collected to the relief fund of the Chief Minister.”

“Government employees, intellectuals, and businessmen of Rajnagar have come together to collect money for the treatment of the injured. We urge all to come forward and donate as much they can,” said Rajnagar Tehsildar, Ashwin Bhuyan.

"We have all come together and are begging on the streets to help the people injured in the train mishap at Bahanaga. We will send all the money to the CMRF,” said Rajnagar Police Station IIC, Srikant Barik.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Centre has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased. Similarly, Rs 2 Lakh compensation has been announced for the grievously injured persons and Rs 50,000 for persons with minor injuries. Moreover, the Odisha government has also declared a compensation of Rs 5 lakh, and those who sustained serious injuries will get Rs 1 lakh assistance.