Shri Ram Naik, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas today received a progress report of the Independent Inquiry Committee, which was developed by the government on August 18, 2003, to the safety and security of off - ONGC shore of Operations, after the crash of the helicopter The interim report must be provided with regard to the safety of life at sea in operations, including logistics and air inspection mechanism and the location helicopters, particularly MI-172 helicopters, including the circumstances under which the unfortunate helicopter leased. Before the report, the committee has established, in collaboration with various individuals, organizations and ONGC.

The Committee was under a Suo motu direction in which the European Parliament, on August 13, 2003 by Shri Ram Naik, on “the failure of a helicopter, ONGC offshore Mumbai, August 11, 2003 . while 2 persons were rescued, 27 people lost their lives and the unfortunate accident. Shri Naik informed that equalization and other benefits have already expressed to the families affected by the ONGC.

The committee is headed by Shri TS Vijayaraghavan, who holds the position of Secretary-General sent to the Government of India within the ministries of oil and natural gas, manufacturing and defence policy Heavy Industry & Public Enterprises. The other members are Maj. Gen. (Retd.) SCN Jatar Pritam Singh, and Prof. Maj. Gen. Jatar, the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army, and is a former CMD, Oil India Limited. Prof. Pritam Singh, a management specialist and Padma Shri winner, director of the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow.

Shri Naik informed that the commission has received the task to ask the security and safety of life at sea operations, including air transport and logistics inspection mechanism. The Committee, among others, was also recommended to refer to aspects such as maintenance / repair / replacement of offshore installations; attitude helicopters, the circumstances under which the unfortunate helicopter leased, the adequacy of efforts by ONGC , every act of separation and the role of management, short - and long-term corrective measures to be taken for the safety and security of staff, which are in operation offshore, etc.

As for the cause of the accident, a lawful investigation separate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who occupy this position functions under the Aircraft Act and the regulations.

The Committee has sought to extend the mandate of the study and its report on all aspects related to the commission, in the report. At the request of the Committee, the mandate of the committee was 3 months, ie until February 17, 2004.

Shri Ram Naik reiterated that the government is committed to the safety and security of the lives of people who, in the exploration and production of oil and gas as well as the facilities and equipment used in these operations. The report is supplemented by the ministry for implementing the recommendations, said Shri Naik