In response to directives from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Union Territory (UT) Administrator has established the “Chandigarh Stray Animals Incidents/Accidents Compensation Committee.” This committee will handle compensation claims arising from incidents involving stray cattle and animals, including cows, bulls, and dogs.
Compensation Details: The compensation amounts are as follows:
- In case of death: ₹5 lakh
- In case of permanent disability: ₹2 lakh
- Dog bite injuries: A minimum of ₹10,000 per teeth mark, and ₹20,000 per 10.2 sq cm of wound where flesh is bitten off.
Claim Filing Process: Victims or their family members must submit an application to the committee within three months of the incident. Required documents include a death certificate and FIR/DDR copy for fatal cases, a permanent disability certificate from a medical authority (showing 70% or more disability) for permanent disability cases, and relevant medical and police reports for injury cases. The committee may request additional documentation to verify the claim’s validity.
Committee Composition: The committee will be chaired by the Deputy Commissioner. Other members include the Superintendent of Police/DSP (Traffic), the SDM of the concerned area, the Secretary of the State Transport Authority, the Medical Superintendent of GMSH-16, and the Additional Joint Commissioner, MC, who will serve as the Member Convener. Additionally, eight members will be added on a case-by-case basis.
Decision Timeline: The committee is mandated to pass compensation within four months of receiving the claims and requisite documents. Compensation payments will be transferred directly to the victim’s or legal heir’s bank account. In cases where claims lack merit, rejection decisions will also be issued within four months.
Significance: The goal of this project is to provide fair compensation for damages and injuries sustained as well as prompt assistance for victims of stray animal accidents. It emphasizes the administration’s dedication to carrying out court orders and resolving issues of public safety pertaining to stray animals. The establishment of this committee is anticipated to provide a disciplined way to addressing such instances in Chandigarh and expedite the compensation procedure.
