THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A demand is being raised in Kerala to grant financial assistance to the families of those who drown in water bodies other than suicide, like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Depending on the nature of the accident, Tamil Nadu provides Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh, Karnataka Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh and Odisha Rs 4 lakh to the kin.

However, the government says that drowning deaths are not included in the list of central and state disasters and points out it as the reason for not providing financial assistance in the state. The only relief is that a small amount will be received from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund if the application is submitted through representatives including MLAs.

In the last six years, drowning deaths in the state are 8169 which doesn’t include suicide. It becomes 10,451 if suicide cases are added. Many families have lost their livelihood due to loss of their loved ones. 2019 saw the highest number of deaths - 1867.

Rs 4 lakh is given to the kin of those are victims of natural calamities and other disasters. This includes funds from Centre. A similar amount is also demanded to be paid to the families of those who die by drowning.