Kerala govt steps up relief for endosulfan victims

The Kerala government has now raised the amount of compensation being paid to the victims of the use of the pesticide from Rs 300 to Rs 2,000 per month.

The NHRC was informed about this on Tuesday at a meeting convened to review the implementation of the recommendations issued by the Commission last year. The NHRC suggested conducting a survey in the area and providing Rs 5 lakh as solatium for the victims’ families.

Addressing the media on Wednesday,Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan slammed the Centre’s decision to conduct another round of study in Kasargode. “During the last 10 years,several agencies have conducted studies. Conducting another study is an insult to victims,’’ he said.

Nationwide ban not viable: Pawar

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said that it will not be viable to impose a countrywide ban on endosulfan due to suspected health hazards. Endosulfan is used in 70 crops like vegetables,fruits,paddy. PTI