KASARGOD: The pending medical camps to identify the new endosulfan victims will be conducted in six panchayats before August 10, Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan has said.
Chairing the meeting of the expanded Endosulfan Cell, the minister said, “The survey of victims shortlisted in the camps held in April will be completed in a month. Subsequently, they will be included in the government’s list of victims and be eligible for various benefits, including free medical treatment.”
The minister asked officers to be humane towards the endosulfan victims.
As many as 3,884 suspected victims attended the camps - in Cheemeni, Rajapuram, Perdala, Bovikkanam, and Periya - held after a gap of nearly four years. According to the members of the Endosulfan Cell, the district administration should survey the existing victims to understand their health, social and financial conditions.
Collector Jeevan Babu K said he was expecting the government to give administrative sanction to the rehabilitation village in Muliyar within two weeks.
Tribunal: The members asked the administration to take steps to institute a tribunal for endosulfan victims to take up their grievances such as denial of compensation. They also want the state to persuade the Central Government to set up a super speciality palliative care centre in Kasargod.
Compensation: The cell decided families of victims, who did not get the last tranche of compensation, will be given the money on producing the legal heirship certificate. The cell also decided to immediately appoint ICDC supervisors in Kallar and Kumbadaje panchayats.
Power supply: The cell asked the KSEB to give an official confirmation on the government’s decision to provide concession in power tariff to the houses of endosulfan victims.
Delayed projects: The administration said steps will be taken to revise the deadlines of special projects implemented in endosulfan-affected areas with Nabard funding. The tenure of six ad hoc officers overseeing the implementations has been extended till September, an officer said. The meeting was also attended by K Kunhiraman MLA, municipal chairperson Beefathima Ibrahim, former MLAs and activists.