Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)
Kasargod, Mar 30: “The union government is not concerned about Endosulfan victims. It has not responded to the request of Rs 450 crores for their rehabilitation. It should immediately approve the funds,” said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
He was speaking in a programme held in Kasargod deputy commissioner’s office premises on Thursday, March 30 after distributing special aid to Endosulfan victims as recommended by National Human Rights Commission.
He said that families of Endosulfan victims will be included in BPL list and BPL ration cards will be issued to them soon. “The state government is for Endosulfan victims and will not compromise on this issue. Endosulfan Pesticide Company is exerting pressure in many ways. The government will not bow to them,” he said.
“A medical camp will be held for Endosulfan victims in the first week of April. Rs 46.76 crore was approved as final payment for 3549 victims. 127 victims who are not included in the list have been handed over Rs 1 lac each from Chief Minister’s compensation fund. Rs 1,000 each is also distributed for Onam festival. Monthly pension has been paid completely. Ashwasa Kiran medical project aid is in progress,” he added.
“The time limit for repayment of their bank loan is extended by one more year. The state government identified the victims and has been distributing aid since 2006. The first and second instalment of the aid was paid earlier. Payment of third instalment is also completed now. Supreme Court had ordered on January 10 for reimbursement of loss before April 10. The judgement has brought light among the victims. The government is bound to pay compensation to the victims,” concluded Pinarayi Vijayan.
State minister of Revenue, E Chandrashekaran presided over the programme. State minister of agriculture V S Sunil Kumar, MP P Karunakaran, MLA N A Nellikunnu, K Kunhiraman, M Rajagopal, Zilla panchayat president A G C Basheer, Corporation president Beefathima Ibrahim, former minister Cherkalam Abdulla, former MLA C H Kunhambu, K P Satheeschandran, Deputy Commissioner K Jeevan Babu, leaders of different political parties and officials were present.
As many as 110 victims at the rate of 10 people from 11 grams from Endosulfan affected area were handed over Rs 1.32 crore from Chief Minister’s compensation fund. 22 victims were paid Rs 2 lac each and 88 victims were paid at the rate of Rs 1lac each. A total of Rs 56.76 was distributed among 3,549 victims.
A person who was showing a poster with writing for Endosulfan was taken into custody by the police at the venue. Retired staff of Kerala Plantation Corporation,
Gangadharan Nair was holding a poster with writings in favour of Endosulfan Company. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who saw it said that several people have got down arguing in favour of Endosulfan Company.
“Neither the government nor the society is scared of them. Everybody should realize that Endosulfan is a deadly poison,” he said.