Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 April 2025
In the wake of the tragic death of Mr. Lazarus Kerketta, a Regular Mazdoor with the Electricity Department, the Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS) has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to take immediate measures to improve safety standards for workers and extend compensation to the bereaved family.
Mr. Kerketta reportedly fell from an electric pole while performing his official duties, raising serious concerns about the lack of proper safety gear and enforcement of safety protocols among mazdoors working under hazardous conditions.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the State President of HRS, Mr. Rakeshwar Lall, called for urgent action on several fronts. The organization has demanded the provision of safety equipment to all mazdoors working in the Electricity, APWD, Shipping, and Port Management Board departments, and stressed the need for strict adherence to safety regulations.
The letter further appeals to the administration to grant immediate financial compensation to the family of the deceased, offer employment to a family member, and initiate action against the officials allegedly responsible for the incident—including linemen, junior engineers, and the Assistant Engineer.
“This is a matter of public interest and worker safety. Authorities must ensure that no other mazdoor loses their life due to negligence,” Mr. Lall stated.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Member of Parliament (LS ANI), the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, the Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), and all press & media outlets.