Leh, 31 July (H.S.): After nearly one year and ten months of delay, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has finally sanctioned Rs 10,24,124 as compensation in favour of Dambar Bahadur, a labourer who suffered a major injury in a road accident 22 months ago while on duty in Ladakh.

Dambar Bahadur, along with his wife, both from Nepal, were employed as casual paid labourers (CPL) with 51 RCC of the BRO. The accident occurred on September 18, 2023, on the Changla road while returning from work in a BRO tipper. While his wife sustained minor injuries, Dambar’s right leg was severely crushed, requiring extensive medical treatment. He was first treated at SNM Hospital Leh and later referred to AIIMS Delhi, where he spent 40 days before returning to Ladakh for further hospitalization.

According to medical records, Dambar suffered a 60% right limb function disability. BRO retained his wife as a CPL so she could look after him while continuing to receive wages.

Following the accident, the Labour Department had issued multiple reminders to BRO to expedite the compensation, but the case remained pending for months due to “procedural delays.” The compensation was finally approved after sustained follow-up by concerned officials and activists.

This case highlights the plight of underprivileged labourers working in challenging conditions who often face prolonged delays in receiving compensation. Similar cases in the past have also seen years-long waits, underscoring the need for a more efficient, fast-track system to ensure that injured workers receive their rightful dues without undue hardship.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar