THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:In a big relief for Endosulfan victims, the state government has sanctioned Rs 56.76 crore to be distributed as compensation for the affected families. The cabinet meet on Thursday gave its nod for the third instalment allocation to the victims.
Earlier the government had decided to provide compensation to Endosulfan victims, prioritising them in different categories. As per the decision Rs 5 lakh will be given to bed-ridden or intellectually-challenged victims. Dependents of those who passed away will also get a similar compensation.
Cancer patients and people with physical disabilities will be given Rs 3 lakh. The first two instalments of compensation have already been distributed.
Of the total Rs 56.76 crore, an amount of Rs 5.15 crore has been set aside as compensation for 257 bed-ridden patients, with each of them getting Rs 2 lakh. As many as 1161 intellectually-challenged persons will get Rs 2 lakh each and Rs 23.22 crore has been set aside for the purpose.
An amount of Rs 9.85 crore has been earmarked as compensation for physically challenged persons and 985 victims will get Rs 1 lakh each.
As many as 437 cancer patients will get 4.37 crore while 709 people - dependents of those died due to illness caused by Endosulfan - will be given Rs 14.18 crore.