Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condoled the death of 63 people in a stampede in an Uttar Pradesh ashram.

Singh announced Rupees 200,000 compensation from the Prime Minister's National Relief fund for the next of kin of the victims.

He wished speedy recovery to all those who have suffered injuries.

Prime Minister said in the Lok Sabha, as follows," A tragedy occurred yesterday in the temple in district Pratapgarh. The issue, I believe, has been raised by a concerned member in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. I join all honorable members in conveying our heartfelt condolences to the families of deceased and wish speedy recovery to all those who have suffered injuries."

On Thursday, around 63 women and children died and over 64 were injured when the gate of an ashram belonging to spiritual guru Kripaluji Maharaj near Kunda town in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, collapsed as thousands gathered to receive gifts.

"We have decided to make, from the Prime Minister's National Relief fund, an ex-gratia payment of Rs.2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 to those seriously injured," he said.

Spiritual guru organised a religious feast to mark the death anniversary of his wife and it was announced that along with food, the visitors would also be given some cash and two utensils which drew thousands of devotees largely people from the poverty section.