CM Mamata announces govt job for family member of electrocution victims in Kolkata

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the state government will provide jobs to a family member of each person who lost their life in electrocution incidents in water-logged Kolkata. At least 12 people died due to electrocution from live wires submerged in water following 6 hours of heavy rain that submerged parts of Kolkata just before the Durga Puja festivities.

The severe pre-Puja downpour had turned many city streets, including areas like Park Circus, Jadavpur, Taratala, and Bhowanipore, into death traps. The tragic deaths, which occurred in multiple locations including Mominpur, Netaji Nagar, and Thakurpur, brought the total count to 12. Initially, the Chief Minister had pointed fingers at the CESC (Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation), demanding that the utility not only provide ₹5 lakh in financial aid but also offer jobs to the victims' families.

Following the initial statement, the state government had announced a separate compensation of ₹2 lakh per deceased family. The Chief Minister had also provisionally assured that if CESC failed to provide jobs, the state would offer the next of kin a position as a Special Home Guard. However, Wednesday’s declaration from Darjeeling solidifies the state’s commitment, confirming that the families will indeed receive formal employment.

"Their families will be called to a pandal in the Shakespeare Sarani area on October 17," she announced. She confirmed that on that day, the families would be handed over appointment letters along with the promised financial assistance.