Labour Minister Defends Government Response to Sigachi Industrial Tragedy

Hyderabad: Dr Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy, the state's Labour, Employment, Mines and Geology Minister, has defended the government's management of the Sigachi industrial catastrophe, dismissing allegations from former minister T. Harish Rao as part of a politically motivated campaign designed to mislead citizens.

Speaking from the Press Club in Godavarikhani, Peddapalli district, on Tuesday, Vivek Venkatswamy acknowledged the gravity of the incident that claimed 54 workers' lives at the Sigachi facility in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district. He emphasized that the Congress government mobilized its response without delay following the accident.

The minister noted that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy made a personal visit to the hospital to meet with injured workers and directed officials to ensure they received the highest standard of medical care and assistance available.

Compensation and legal measures

Vivek Venkatswamy outlined the government's multi-pronged approach to the crisis. He stated that authorities repeatedly called in Sigachi management and demanded the company fulfill its compensation obligations. The minister reported that families of deceased workers have received approximately ₹50 lakh each as compensation.

The government has also pursued legal accountability, with the Inspector of Factories conducting inspections and initiating proceedings against company leadership. The company's Chairman and Managing Director were arrested following cases registered under applicable statutes.

Continued commitment to justice

Reaffirming the government's position before the High Court, Vivek Venkatswamy stressed the administration's determination to secure complete justice for all victims. He pledged that the government would maintain pressure on the company to ensure every affected family receives the full compensation promised to them.

The minister emphasized that all legally mandated steps have been implemented and that the Congress government remains committed to standing by the workers and their families throughout the pursuit of justice.