Concern over March 31 deadline to identify endosulfan victims

Concern over March 31 deadline to identify endosulfan victims

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 24, 2015 : Activists have raised concern over March 31 being the deadline for identification of victims of endosulfan, saying that many genuine victims would miss the opportunity to become eligible for the benefits, having lost a chance to be identified as such in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada.

During a recent meeting of district committee to enforce endosulfan relief measures, Arun Kumar S.B., the district nodal officer overseeing the relief works, had said that the exercise of identification would end on March 31 and that it could be extended only by a fresh notification by the State government.

Following identification process carried out in 2009 and 2012 and special camps held since May 2014, a total of 3,295 persons have been identified as victims of endosulfan in Dakshina Kannada. Of this, 2,602 persons are eligible for stipend — Rs. 1,500 per month for those with disability less than 60 per cent and Rs. 3,000 for those with 60 per cent or more disabilities. The identified victims are eligible, among others, for free treatment at designated private hospitals, free bus pass and free ration.

Activist Ravindranath Shanbhag, who has been fighting for endosulfan victims, has objected to the deadline. “The disorders, which are genetic, will continue for 30 years more. What about the children born now,” he said.

Mr. Shanbhag, a former professor of pharmacology at Manipal University, said identification of victims should be a continuous exercise. He said there were still people with neurological problems from the areas in and around where endosulfan was sprayed, who were yet to be identified. “I have names of as many as 700 people from 28 villages in Udupi who have so far not been identified,” he said.

Shridhar Gowda, an endosulfan victim and convenor of Endo Virodhi Horata Samiti, said 60 persons from Shirtady near Moodbidri have so far not been identified as victims.

“Parents of a three-year-old child from Mani (in Bantwal taluk), who has neurological problems, have been struggling to get their child certified despite visits to specialist camps for over a year.” Victims will be left with no other alternative than to approach the High Court, he said.

District Health Officer Ramakrishna Rao said he would write to the government in this regard and seek directions about procedure to be followed post March 31.

Courtesy: The Hindu