Kathmandu: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has decided to provide Rs. 1,571,250 to a boy who lost both hands after suffering severe injuries from coming into contact with an 11 kV power line in Ghuseni, Ward No. 2 of Triveni Rural Municipality, Nawalparasi (East of Susta). The assistance covers medical expenses, compensation, and caregiver costs.
The amount was approved by a meeting of the NEA Board of Directors. According to the Authority, the approved funds will be disbursed to the victim’s family through the concerned distribution center.
The NEA said the accident occurred while the boy was playing on the roof of a community building owned by a local mothers’ group in Ghuseni, Triveni Rural Municipality-2. He accidentally came into contact with a nearby 11 kV distribution line, resulting in the serious accident.
The Authority stated that compensation and medical expenses are provided in accordance with Sub-rule (1) of Rule 11 of the Electricity Accident Compensation Regulations, 2010.
Under the regulations, compensation and medical expenses of up to Rs. 200,000 can be approved by the departmental chief; amounts between Rs. 200,000 and Rs. 500,000 by the concerned Deputy Managing Director; Rs. 500,000 to Rs. 1 million by the Chief Administrative Officer; and any amount exceeding Rs. 1 million requires approval from the NEA Board of Directors.
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said the assistance was provided to the victim’s family in accordance with the existing legal provisions and previous precedents.
“No amount of money can compensate for the value of a human life. This assistance cannot erase the family’s suffering, but we hope it will at least provide some support for their livelihood,” the minister said.
Minister Shrestha also stressed that although provisions for insurance, treatment, and compensation are in place, both the NEA and civil society must work together to reduce the growing number of electrical accidents in recent years.
Describing the annual loss of lives and property due to electrical accidents as alarming, he directed the NEA to intensify maintenance of its infrastructure, strengthen monitoring in high-risk areas, enhance safety measures, and expand public awareness and early warning programs.
The minister added that raising public awareness is equally essential to minimizing electrical accidents.
NepalPurbadhar