Compensation for deaths caused by snakebites in Odisha may soon be increased to ₹10 lakh, state Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced on Tuesday. At present, the compensation amount stands at ₹4 lakh.
The Minister stated that the Odisha Government has formally recommended the increase to the Central Government, which is responsible for determining compensation rates for centrally notified disasters. The Supreme Court, while hearing a specific matter, has also directed the government to review and consider revising the compensation amount.
The proposal does not apply to snakebite deaths alone. The Odisha Government has also sought enhanced compensation for fatalities due to lightning strikes and accidental drowning, all of which are recognised as disasters under the Central guidelines.
Currently, the families of victims of these three types of incidents receive ₹4 lakh, a figure the state government believes is inadequate given the frequency and severity of such occurrences in Odisha.
Minister Pujari noted that snakebite deaths remain a serious concern in the state. Various awareness programmes are already underway, but increased compensation would provide vital economic support to affected families.
He reiterated that although the state government cannot independently increase the amount due to central regulations, it has urged the Centre to revise the compensation structure to ensure fairness and adequate assistance for all families who lose loved ones in such tragedies.
