Punjab's Transport Minister, Laljit Singh Bhullar, has raised a serious alarm over the massive backlog of compensation claims for hit-and-run accident victims across several districts. Expressing deep concern, the minister revealed that thousands of families are awaiting justice and financial relief for tragedies that occurred in 2022 and 2023.
A Staggering Backlog of Unsettled Cases
The scale of the pendency is immense. Official data shows that nearly 3,300 cases related to deaths and approximately 1,500 cases involving grievous injuries remain unresolved. This backlog spans four key districts: Mohali, Rupnagar (Ropar), Fatehgarh Sahib, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
Minister Bhullar issued strict directives to clear this backlog while chairing an orientation and training program for officials at the District Administrative Complex in Mohali. He mandated that all pending claims must be processed on priority and disbursed to the eligible families by March 2026.
Streamlined Process for Timely Relief
Under the government's compensation scheme, families of deceased victims are entitled to Rs 2 lakh, while those suffering grievous injuries can claim Rs 50,000. The compensation is for accidents caused by unidentified vehicles.
To expedite the process, Bhullar laid out a clear timeline for officials. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), who act as claims enquiry officers, have been instructed to complete verification within one month of receiving an application. Subsequently, district committees headed by Deputy Commissioners must review and clear the cases within two weeks. Once approved, the claims are sent to the designated insurance company for final payment.
"Claim Your Right": A Push for Awareness and Transparency
Emphasizing a citizen-friendly approach, Minister Bhullar stated that the entire process is designed to be simple, transparent, and free of cost, requiring no intermediaries or middlemen. Applicants need to submit Form-I along with necessary documents which include bank account details, a copy of the FIR, post-mortem report or death certificate, and medical reports for injuries.
To ensure eligible citizens come forward, the Transport Department has launched an awareness campaign titled "Hit and Run Compensation – Claim Your Right". The campaign urges affected families to file their claims directly at SDM offices. Furthermore, the Lead Agency on Road Safety is conducting district-level training programs to streamline procedures and ensure timely relief reaches the victims' kin.
The minister's intervention highlights a critical gap in the delivery of a crucial social welfare scheme and sets a definitive deadline to bring solace to thousands of aggrieved families awaiting compensation for their irreparable losses.
