AP govt mulls seizure of assets of firecracker blast accused

Vijayawada: Home minister V Anitha said that the govt directed all the district collectors and SPs to carry out intensive searches in firecracker-making units and storage godowns in their districts to identify violations of safety guidelines. She assured the assembly that all the storage points will be closed down, with seizure of stocks, wherever the stipulated safety measures were not taken. Responding to queries from members during Question Hour in the assembly on Thursday, Anitha said that the govt also proposed to seize the assets of the accused in such blast incidents."The govt is prepared to seize the assets of those responsible for firecracker explosion incidents and distribute them to the victims," said the home minister. She stated that the govt would adopt a stringent approach in the wake of recent firecracker explosion accidents in the state. She emphasised that authorities would confiscate properties of the operators involved in such mishaps and ensure compensation for the affected parties.She said that the new bill on fire safety standards is designed to update the existing law on fire prevention measures, particularly in light of modern multi-storey constructions and evolving building standards. "We are making necessary changes to the law to address fire hazard prevention. Violations of regulations will lead to seizure of the premises and strict action," the home minister warned.Later in the day, home minister Anitha interacted with hundreds of school students who visited the state legislative assembly, encouraging them to understand democratic institutions and grow into responsible citizens. The minister engaged in a lively interaction with the students, listening to their views and appreciating their enthusiasm to learn about the functioning of the legislature. She expressed happiness at the curiosity and sense of responsibility shown by the young visitors and urged them to actively contribute to the nation's development in the future.A total of 573 students from 19 schools visited the Assembly on Thursday as part of an initiative aimed at providing students with first-hand exposure to legislative functioning, democratic values, and the process of law-making. Officials said the programme is designed to help young people better understand how laws are debated and passed in a democratic system. The visiting students keenly observed the proceedings of the legislative assembly and interacted with officials to learn more about the working of the house.