Kerala Minister K Rajan expressed disappointment over the central government’s refusal to allow Kerala Health Minister Veena George to visit Kuwait. The visit was intended to coordinate assistance for Keralites affected by the recent devastating building fire in Kuwait that claimed the lives of 45 Indians, including 23 from Kerala. Minister Rajan emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring proper treatment for the affected individuals and expediting the return of the victims’ mortal remains.
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- Kerala Minister K Rajan criticized the central government for not permitting Health Minister Veena George to visit Kuwait.
- The visit was intended to coordinate efforts and ensure proper treatment for Keralites affected by the Kuwait building fire.
- The devastating fire in a labour accommodation in Mangaf, Kuwait, resulted in the deaths of 45 Indians.
- Among the victims, 23 were from Kerala, 7 from Tamil Nadu, 3 from Andhra Pradesh, and 1 each from several other states.
- Minister Rajan highlighted the technical reasons cited by the Union Government for the travel denial.
- A special Indian Air Force aircraft carrying the bodies of 31 victims was expected to land at Cochin International Airport.
- Minister Rajan, along with other officials, arranged green channels to ensure smooth transportation of the mortal remains.
- Kerala state government announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
- The central government also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.
- The Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, visited hospitals in Kuwait to interact with Indian nationals undergoing treatment.
