NHRC, India Vishakpatnam revealed that a tragic incident took place due to the styrene gas stored at storage tank of M/s. Ley Polymers Ltd. The explosion destroyed five villages, killed twelve people, and left 585 people injured. The report mentioned that the concerned State released ex-gratia/financial assistance to the victims/deceased. There were 20,448 beneficiaries in total and the total amount paid to them was 37,03,35,000/-. Furthermore, the Central Government established an expert committee to control gas emissions through the air. The Government also formed a Highpower Committee, as well as a team of ten doctors, to provide input on the follow-up patients admitted with styrene poisoning. iii. 2. The Commission also noted from the action taken report that treatment and other rehabilitation was provided to the victims. Pursuant to the direction of the Commission, a copy of enquiry report was sent to the complainant for comments; however, the Commission didnot receive any response. In view of such facts, the case was closed 08/10/2021. Daily Wage Mess Workers at Jawahar Navodaya Vidalaya, Yanam, Puducherry, and elsewhere in the country do not receive minimum wages or other statutory benefits. (Case No. 69/32/4/2019) i. The complaint was received in the Commission on 18/09/2019 from the complainant Shri Prudhvi Raj Jakkula, District Krishna, Andhra Pradesh. The complaint pertainedtothe issue that Daily Wage Mess Workers working in Jawahar Navodaya Vidalaya (YNV), Yanam, Puducherry, and in other parts of India were not getting minimum wages and other statutory benefits. ii. The Commission took cognizance ofthe matter on 04/11/2019 and on the directions of the Commission, relevant reports were received on 18/12/2019 from the Assistant Commissioner, Navodaya Vidalaya Samiti, vide letter dated 16/12/2019, stating that the Samiti had instructed that minimum wages as applicable in a particular State/District should be paid to the casual workers of NVS. The Jawahar Navodaya Vidalaya, Yanam, was instructed to follow the instructions given regarding minimum wages to daily wagers/casual labours. Daily wages were being paid on the prescribed rates of Central or State governments whichever was higher. In the instant case, an Upper Divisional Clerk has been placed under suspension, pending enquiry. iii. It was further submitted in the said report that the difference amount was due to be paid to eight mess workers of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Yanam. A chargesheet was issued against the suspended employee and it was further stated that all regional heads of NVS had confirmed that minimum wages werepaid to the daily wagers/casual labourers throughout India as per prescribed rates of Central /State governments whichever was higher. In the meantime, the complainant submitted that no action was taken against the Principal, JNV Yanam, for not providing minimum wages to the mess workers and giving false information to the authorities. ANNUAL REPORT 84 2021-22