Kerala seeks financial package for endosulfan victims

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government today sought a financial package of Rs 242 crore from the Centre to pay compensation to people suffering from health problems reportedly caused by use of endosulfan pesticide in some plantations in Kasargod district.

"The Centre should approve Rs 125 crore worked out by the state for rehabilitation of endosulfan victims and additional financial assistance of Rs 117 crore recommended by National Human Rights Commission," Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told reporters after a special cabinet meeting here.

On other cabinet decisions, Achuthanandan said the state would stand guarantee to the Rs 1490 crore loan to be availed by Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited, the special purpose vehicle formed to facilitate development of the port, from the consortium of banks led by State Bank of Travancore.

The cabinet also decided to implement wage revision in eight public sector units including Travancore Titanium Products Ltd, Traco Cables, Steel Industries, Coir Corporation, United Industries Ltd and Bamboo Corporation, he said.