Kolkata: Air India will pay an additional Rs 10 lakh to families of victims whose final compensation works out to Rs 25 lakh or less. But the payout will happen only after the families sign a final settlement document, forgoing future claims against the airline, original equipment manufacturers and govt agencies.In a statement on Thursday, the airline said: “Air India wholeheartedly understands that monetary compensation cannot make up for the loss of a loved one. At the same time, getting more clarity about final compensation is an important moment for the families affected by this tragic incident.”“Following initial interim payments of Rs 25 lakh to families of the deceased and with the process of ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore from The AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust being underway, Air India has initiated the final compensation process. We have ensured that the final compensation being offered to families is fair and in accordance with the law. The information about this has been shared in a transparent, compassionate way with the affected families,” it added.Sources said the compensation paid to each family will be different and calculated keeping in mind the victim’s age, income, dependants and other factors.While Rs 25 lakh that has already been paid as interim compensation will be deducted from the final settlement amount and the rest paid to the family if they sign the document, those families whose compensation works out to be Rs 25 lakh or less will be handed an additional Rs 10 lakh once they sign the indemnity waiver .TOI had in Thursday’s edition reported that the carrier was offering final monetary settlements to the families of the air crash victims in exchange for liability waivers. A US-based law firm representing over 100 victim’s families has opposed the move and asked its clients not to sign the document before the full truth into the crash probe is known.The AI spokesperson said it was following recognised industry standards, compensation payments are made on a “full and final” basis in order to provide a conclusion.“While we cannot discuss specific cases, the amounts offered to each family have been calculated using the applicable legal framework and differ depending upon individual circumstances. Families agreeing to receive final compensation are requested to confirm that they have no future claims against Air India or anyone else, including original equipment manufacturers, airport, govt agencies,” the statement read.“This particular aspect is important in order to ensure that the process is indeed final, and to prevent Air India from receiving any direct or indirect claims in the future. We have been transparent in our communication to families, suggesting options, including seeking legal advice before taking a final decision,” it added.
