NEW DELHI — The government announced Tuesday that the standard ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh per industrial fatality remains in effect and will be disbursed to families of workers killed in a boiler explosion at the Vedanta Power Plant in Sakti, Chhattisgarh, in what officials described as a prompt and compassionate response consistent with the one issued 45 days ago.

The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the announcement via post on X within hours of the blast, which claimed at least nine lives and injured fifteen others. The post expressed that the mishap was tragic, that condolences were extended, that the injured were wished a speedy recovery, and that the local administration was assisting those affected — language that officials noted had been refined through extensive use.

"The PMNRF ex-gratia structure ensures that families receive support quickly and that the government's position is clearly communicated before the evening news cycle," said a source familiar with the drafting process, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The Rs 2 lakh figure has proven to be durable across a wide range of industrial contexts."

The durability of the figure was confirmed by a review of recent announcements. On February 28, following an explosion at a firecracker unit in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, that killed twenty workers, the Prime Minister announced Rs 2 lakh per deceased from the PMNRF and Rs 50,000 for the injured. On April 14, following the Sakti blast, the Prime Minister announced Rs 2 lakh per deceased from the PMNRF and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Officials said the consistency demonstrated institutional reliability.

Vedanta Power Plant, operated by a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources — a conglomerate that reported revenues of approximately $17 billion in its most recent financial year — confirmed in a statement that the workers who died were employed through sub-contractor NGSL, which operates and maintains the unit. The company said its thoughts and deepest sympathies were with the affected families, and that a thorough investigation had been initiated in coordination with its partner and relevant authorities.

"Our immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical assistance," the spokesperson said, adding that the company was closely coordinating with medical teams. The spokesperson did not address whether coordinating with safety regulators before the explosion had also been a priority.

A magistrial inquiry has been ordered. The Raigarh SDM confirmed that a proper investigation is being done. No announcement was made regarding revision of the PMNRF ex-gratia quantum, which has not been adjusted for inflation, corporate revenues, or frequency of use.

The families of the deceased are expected to receive the funds in a phased manner.