A year after 26/7 deluge, 54 still missing

MUMBAI: One year after the July 26 deluge that flooded large parts of the suburbs, 54 persons continue to be listed as missing.

Giving this information to reporters on Tuesday, former MP Kirit Somaiya demanded that the Centre and the state government amend the relevant laws so that the next of kin of these 54 persons can claim the relief and rehabilitation that is their due.

Under existing provisions of the law, the relatives will have to wait for another six years before they can avail of the compensation package announced by the government.

They cannot even claim their insurance and will have to continue paying the premiums for six years, until they can make the claims on the policies.

Somaiya also demanded that the Centre amend provisions of the Income-Tax Act so that the next of kin availing of compensation from the government do not have to pay tax on the package.