Cut in pension amount of Endosulfan victims

KASARAGOD: Malpractice in the pension distribution to poor Endosulfan victims is reported. Currently, the pension has been stopped for three months. In addition, Rs.500 from the total monthly pension of Rs.2200 is cut. Now only Rs.1700 is given as a pension to Endosulfan patients.

The explanation is that Endosulfan victims are also getting disability pensions. Therefore, Rs.500 is deducted from the total pension.

The pension distribution began in 2011 under Chief Minister, VS Achuthanandan. The pension was given to 4182 victims who were identified in the medical camp conducted in 2010. Bedridden patients were given Rs.2200 and those who are mentally and physically challenged and those with other health issues were given Rs.1000.

The victims' mothers began a strike after this amount was not given for a total of eleven months.

In 2015, without the knowledge of Endosulfan Cell, Rs.500 was deducted from the pension to Endosulfan victims, saying that they were given a disability pension. The group that is fighting for the victims has been approaching government offices for seven years to get a copy of the order stating the reason for reducing the pension amount.

The group is accusing that such an order does not exist and the victims are burdened in the name of a non-existent order.

Currently, the pension scheme is Rs.1200 for those with mental and physical challenges, Rs.1700 for the bedridden and disabled, and Rs.2200 for those who are not included on the disability list. In this, only a few Endosulfan patients are receiving Rs.2200 pension.