The Maharashtra government set up a special committee to decide compensation in cases where people die or are injured after falling into potholes or open manholes on roads under the Public Works Department. Families of victims who die in such incidents will receive Rs 6 lakh, while injured persons will be granted between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2.5 lakh depending on the severity of their injuries.

The move follows an order passed by the Bombay High Court on October 13 in a PIL that has been monitoring the state of road maintenance for several years.

Acting on the court’s directive, the government has appointed a three-member panel headed by the Additional Chief Secretary of the PWD, with the Secretary (Roads) and the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority as members.

The committee

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