Endosulfan: State to follow Kerala model for rehabilitation and compensation

The Endosulfan victims will be provided rehabilitation and compensation following the Kerala model Soon after monsoon sessions, Minister Ramesh Kumar would meet the Endosulfan victims The victims are suffering from cancer, cardiac problem, handicap, mental retardation and impotency

The Endosulfan victims in the State will be rehabilitated and compensated following the neighbouring Kerala model, said State Health Minister Ramesh Kumar.

Soon after the monsoon Sessions of the Assembly, he would make a tour of the Coastal Karnataka and meet the Endosulfan victims, along with the local MLAs, he said.

The Kerala model of compensation will be procured and implemented in the State also, he said. It was a grave crime to permit Endosulfan to be used in the State. How scientists, governments and bureaucrats could permit the manufacturing and using of such a dangerous product, he questioned.

People lose their trust in the government when such things happen. The government that speaks about punishing the criminals is actually protecting them, he said.

Earlier, Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar mentioned facts and figures of Endosulfan victims and said about 10,000 families are affected by it.  He urged for compensation, pension, rehabilitation and health and ambulance services for them. The victims are suffering from cancer, cardiac problem, handicap, mental retardation and impotency. Several families are resorting to suicide, he said.

Kerala is dumping barrel loads of Endosulfan in the State border area wells.  This should be stopped and inquiry ordered, he urged. Sullia MLA S Angara said a recensus of Endosulfan victims must be conducted.  Pension of Rs 5000 must be given to each family like in Kerala. Chikmagalur MLA C T Ravi insisted that compensation of Rs 10lakhs must be sanctioned for each family.