Denial compensation to endosulfan victims: NHRC issues notice to Kerala

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to Kerala Government over reported denial of the committed relief to the victims of endosulfan.

The Commission took suo motu cognizance of media reports that relief recommended by the Commission was yet to be extended to many victims.

The Commission issued notices to Kerala Chief Secretary and district collectors of Kasaragod and Palakkad calling for reports in matter within two weeks.

It is notable that the notice covers victims of Palakkad district also. The government has taken virtually taken no steps to provide compensation to them.

The Commission had recommended that Kerala should pay at least Rs. 5 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 Rs.three lakhs to those who have got other disability. A panel of doctor may assess the extent of physical disability to classify the categories of victims. The Union of India shall give adequate financial help to the State Government.

It also suggested a survey of other populations that might also have been affected by the use of endosulfan including in Palakkad where there are reports of similar problems faced by villagers.

The Commission also recommended increase in the quantum of relief and rehabilitation for victims and their families, and ensure that it is paid regularly and in full.

It further told the State Government to improve the facilities for diagnosis, treatment and therapy available at hospitals and health centres that tend to the victims, while ensuring that at least one of them is equipped and staffed to offer advanced care and all Primary Health Centres in the eleven villages which are seriously affected may be upgraded to Community Health Centres.

It recommended to the Union Government administrative and legislative action to ban the use of endosulfan and suggested a nation-wide survey of populations that have been affected by the use of endosulfan, particularly sprayed from the air, to determine the scope of relief and rehabilitation that may be needed.

 Other recommendations to the Centre were:

• Supplement the efforts of the Government of Kerala (and of other State Governments where victims of endosulfan use are found) in the provision of relief and long-term rehabilitation; and
• Join the international consensus at the next meeting in April, 2011 of the State Parties of the Stockholm Convention and permit the listing of endosulfan as an Annex A chemical.
• As the victims are in large number about six thousand in small locality of eleven villages namely Kayyur-Cheemeni, Ajanur, Pullur-Periya, Kallar, Panathady, Muliyar, Karadka, Kumbadje, Badiadka, Bellur and Enmakaje, a Centrally Sponsored Palliative Care Centre/Hospital should be established for Kasaragod District and sufficient and effective ambulance services be provided to all physically handicapped or mentally retarded victims with adequate and trained staff. State Government should render all help to establish the said Palliative Care Centre/Hospital.

Blog posts on endosulfan: http://expert-eyes.in/tag/endosulfan/