Solatium hiked to Rs 10 lakh for firemen

“This would come into force from this financial year, and the enhancement is on a par with the police force,” the CM said, while responding to the Opposition’s questions on the recent blast at Kodungaiyur which left one TNFRS personnel dead and several others injured.

For those who suffer permanent disability on duty, the assistance has been hiked to Rs 4 lakh from Rs 1 lakh. Palaniswami also announced a ten-fold hike in compensation from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2 lakh, to those suffering serious burns, while for those suffering less than 20 per cent burns, the assistance would be hiked from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Palaniswami dismissed the allegations made by the Opposition over lack of facilities in government hospitals forcing fire victims to opt for private care. He asserted that the state-run hospitals are well equipped.

The CM said the Centre of Excellence for Burns was set up at Kilpauk Medical College Hospital (KMCH) and 3,746 people were treated last year. 

“The centre has treated 1,476 persons this year. It is the lone Centre of Excellence with a 70-bed facility in South India. Hence, the charge of laxity in treating the injured is baseless. The Leader of Opposition was apprised of the treatment provided when he visited the injured at this centre,” the Chief Minister said.