Endo victims may get Anna Bhagya scheme benefits

Re-survey from March 1 to identify Endo victims left out in previous survey for pension, says DC

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim has said that the district administration has sent a proposal to the government seeking extension of Anna Bhagya scheme to Endosulfan affected families in the district.

He was speaking at the distribution of government pension eligibility certificates to Endosulfan victims at Manchi Lions Club hall in Bantwal taluk on Thursday. The Deputy Commissioner said that the authorities have identified 1,815 Endosulfan victims in the district who are eligible to avail pension from the government. 

“The High Court had directed to give a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to Endosulfan victims having 60 per cent and above disability, and Rs 1,500 for those falling under the second category of 25 to 60 per cent disability. However, the district administration will offer Rs 3,000 per month to those who have 60 per cent disability and Rs 2,000 to those with 40 - 60 per cent disability, with effect from January 1. Re-surveys will be conducted from March 1, in respective panchayat limits, to identify the Endosulfan victims who have been left out in the previous survey and they will be added to the list of pension beneficiaries,” the DC said. The pension eligibility certificate distribution process has started and the amount will be deposited to the accounts of the beneficiaries from Friday. As many as 1,884 victims have opened their bank accounts and the government will directly transfer the pension amount to the bank accounts. The Endosulfan pension will be given by deducting the disability pension that the victims are already receiving from the Women and Child Welfare Department.

Smart card distribution

District Nodal Officer for Endosulfan victims rehabilitation, Arun Kumar said that the district administration had classified the victims into three categories and the smart cards were distributed in three different colours, based on the severity of the disorder. Of the 2,479 victims identified in the first phase for availing compensation, smart cards have been distributed to 2,189 Endosulfan victims in the district. The remaining 310 beneficiaries too will receive the cards within a few days.  

“With the High Court, delivering a verdict last month categorising victims into two categories, namely, those with deformity ranging from 25 - 60 and those suffering from above 60 per cent disability, the colours of the smart cards does not hold significance now,” he said.

Four mobile medical units are already functioning to provide service to Endosulfan victims and two more units will start functioning soon. Additional six day-care centres will be set up in the district, he said.

Endosulfan Virodhi Horata Samithi President Mohammed Peer requested the government to set right some of the loopholes in the implementation of the compensation and rehabilitation package. Establishing additional day care centres is the need of the hour, as the existing two centres have brought positive change in the behaviour of those with disability. Victims who have been left out from the list prepared by the administration, should be added, he demanded.

District-in-Charge Minister Ramanath Rai distributed pension eligibility certificates to the victims, on the occasion.