In the aftermath of the fatal explosion at an explosives manufacturing unit in Raoolgaon village of Katol taluka, Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced a compensation package of ₹82 lakh for the family of each deceased worker. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting convened to review the incident and fix accountability.
As per the announcement, SBL Explosives Manufacturer will provide ₹75 lakh to each bereaved family, while the Maharashtra Government will contribute ₹5 lakh and the Central Government ₹2 lakh. The total amount will be deposited in bank accounts in the names of the legal heirs. Family heads will be allowed to withdraw the interest, and dependent children can access the principal amount upon attaining majority.
The company has also agreed to pay ₹25 lakh each to those injured in the explosion.
Officials Directed to Face Accountability
The review meeting was attended by Minister of State for Finance and Planning Ashish Jaiswal, MP Shyamkumar Barve, local legislators, senior administrative officers, police officials, and representatives from the labour and industrial safety departments.
Expressing concern over recurring fatalities in explosive factories, Bawankule said strict action would be taken against those found guilty of negligence. He instructed that senior officials from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), the Industrial Safety Department and the Labour Department be examined for possible lapses and included as co-accused if regulatory failures are established.
Special Committee to Recommend Reforms
To strengthen enforcement and prevent future tragedies, a special committee has been constituted under the chairpersonship of Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari. The panel includes the District Collector and Superintendent of Police and will coordinate with central authorities to suggest corrective measures.
The committee will review whether mandatory safety protocols, worker training, and protective equipment norms were properly implemented. It will also examine inconsistencies between central and state regulatory frameworks and assess whether industrial policies are being misused at the expense of labour safety.
Recommendations will be submitted to the state government, which will take up necessary amendments and enforcement measures in coordination with the Centre.
Factory Sealed; Workers’ Wages to Continue
The factory has been sealed pending completion of the investigation. The minister directed the company management to ensure that workers continue to receive at least minimum wages until safety compliance is verified and clearance is granted.
He further mandated that all employees must undergo a minimum three-month industrial safety training programme. The unit will be allowed to resume operations only after deficiencies pointed out in inspections are rectified and personally verified by the District Collector.
Authorities are also assessing whether the scope of the Disaster Management Act needs expansion to enhance response mechanisms in industrial accidents.
The Katol blast has once again brought industrial safety standards and regulatory oversight under sharp focus, prompting calls for stricter enforcement across Maharashtra’s explosives manufacturing sector.
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