THIRUVANANTAPURAM: Administrative Reforms Commission chairman V. S. Achuthanandan on Tuesday urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to implement the compensation package for endosulfan victims at the earliest. In a letter, the veteran leader urged the Chief Minister to implement the special rehabilitation package directed by Supreme Court. There were reports that the Supreme Court had sent contempt notice to the state government following the delay in granting compensation to endosulfan victims of Kasargod as part of the rehabilitation package.
Mr Achuthanandan reminded that the Supreme Court had given a verdict in January 10, 2017, directing the government to grant compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the victims and submit a list of persons entitled to receive the compensation amount. He said DYFI had earlier approached the Supreme Court to seek assistance for endosulfan victims. The victims had now submitted complaint following which the Supreme Court issued contempt notice to the state government. The veteran leader cautioned the government on the reported plan of victims to start a fresh agitation.
Mr Achuthanandan said that he had intervened in the endosulfan issue right from the beginning besides taking part in their agitations, extending help to them and working for their welfare. He said the LDF's well stated position was also to provide rehabilitation to endosulfan victims. The veteran leader said under these circumstances, the Chief Minister should personally examine the matter and take steps to avoid contempt proceedings. The government should implement the compensation announced by the apex court without any further delay, he said.
