Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Oct 3: Following the tragic death of Haleyangadi resident Maneesh Karkera in an accident at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) refinery, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said Rs 1.20 crore in compensation has been sanctioned for the bereaved family, while employment will be provided to one family member.
Speaking to reporters, Capt Chowta said local representatives, including Mulki-Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian, Mangaluru City North MLA Dr Y Bharath Shetty, Grama Panchayat leaders, and representatives of the MRPL Employees Union, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and Karmachari Sangha, had stood by the family following the accident and during the final rites.
“Though no amount can compensate for the loss of a family’s breadwinner, we have ensured the maximum possible compensation and employment for a member of the family,” Chowta said.
Chowta expressed gratitude to the MRPL management, union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Petroleum Ministry secretary and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their intervention and support following the incident.
Health cover for contract workers
Capt Chowta also announced progress on a long-pending demand for health insurance coverage for MRPL’s secondary workforce and their dependants, saying the proposal is now in its final stages.
He said discussions on the issue began in February 2025, involving MRPL officials, the Employees Union, BMS and Karmachari Sangha, along with elected representatives.
According to MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, since MRPL is associated with ONGC, major policy decisions require approval from the ONGC Board. He said he had taken up the matter with ONGC chairman Arun Kumar Singh and officials of the Petroleum Ministry to expedite the process.
“MRPL officials have assured us that a policy will be formulated and announced within the next month,” Chowta said.
He added that a meeting had already been held at the deputy commissioner’s office, while another meeting would be convened next week to discuss the technical aspects and proposed policy framework. The proposal would subsequently be placed before the ONGC Board for approval, he said.
Capt Chowta thanked the MRPL Employees Union, BMS and Karmachari Sangha for continuously pursuing the demand for health insurance coverage for contract workers and their dependants.
He said sustained efforts by the unions, elected representatives and officials had brought the issue to its final stage.
Chowta assured MRPL’s secondary workforce that efforts would continue to ensure that the proposed health insurance policy is implemented at the earliest.