New Delhi, June 11th, 2012
The Government of Kerala has submitted a report to the NHRC partially complying with its recommendations regarding Endosulfan. The State Government has submitted that with regard to payment of Rs. Five lakh to the bed ridden/unable to move victims a lump sum payment of rupees three lakhs will be disbursed as the first step this amount will be given in two installments of Rs. 1.5 lakh each.

The balance amount of Rs. 2 lakhs will be treated/considered as deposit and the beneficiaries will be given a monthly assistance of Rs. 2000/- for a period of five years equal to the return for long term deposit of the solatium amount. The deposited amount of Rs. 2 Lakhs will be returned to them a lump sum after two years.

The Commission accepting this proposal has asked the State Government that it pay monetary relief in the similar manner to the next of kin of those who succumbed to diseases caused by Endosulfan.

It may be recalled that the Commission on the 31st December, 2010, through a detailed order, had recommended that the Government of Kerala should pay at least rupees five lakhs to the next of kin of those who died and to those who were fully bed ridden/unable to move without help or mentally retarded and rupees three lakhs to those who have got other disability. A panel of doctors may assess the extent of physical disability to classify the categories of victims.

As regards payment of Rs. 3 lakhs to other disabled persons, the Commission has agreed with the State Government's submission that in the first step, a lump sum payment of Rs. 2 lakhs will be disbursed in two installments. Rs. 1 lakh will be treated as Deposit and the beneficiaries will be given a monthly assistance of Rs. 1000/- for a period of five years equal to the return of the solatium amount. After five years, Rs. 1 lakh will be returned to the beneficiaries in lump sum. Necessary instructions for release of the amount to the victims have also been given to the concerned.

The State Government has also submitted a detailed account of the steps taken by it in ensuring diagnostic and health care facilities; rehabilitation and welfare measures for the victims of Endosulfan in the affected region of Kasargod District. According to a preliminary survey conducted in 7275 houses in Muthalamada Panchayat except Parambikulam and 1995 houses in Kollengode Panchayat and 46 persons were identified as Endosulfan victims.

The Commission has directed the State Government to give a report in eight weeks on the payments made.

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