Better facilities sought for endosulfan victims in Udupi district

Members of the Karnataka State Disabled and Caregivers’ Federation, district unit, staged a protest in front of the District Health Office here, seeking better facilities for endosulfan victims in Udupi district.

Karnataka State Disabled and Caregivers Federation,Udupi district unit, president Manjunath Hebbar complained that the authorities had ignored the affected people in the 15-20 kilometers radius of the affected area.

“The survey to indentify victims, which is supposed to be over by March 3, is incomplete and unscientific. Re survey should be carried out and the district administration has not set up day care centres, rehabilitation centres and also scanning facilities to the pregnant women in the affected areas,” he accused.

He demanded that the permanent rehabilitation centres for the victims should be set up as they would be left unattended in case of death of their caretakers.

“The government should introduce special schools meant for the victims with special toilet facilities in each taluk. The family members of the victims should be given free bus and travel facilities as they need to bring victims for the treatment. The disabled ordinance should be effectively implemented and the grievance meet should be called regularly,” he urged.

“The proposed four mobile units for the endosulfan victims should be opened in the district. A separate ministry should be set up for the disabled. The pension for the disabled should be hiked from Rs 3000 to Rs 5000. The disabled should be ensured with universally valid identity card. The service Multipurpose Rehabilitation Workers (MRW)  and Village Rehabilitation workers(VRW)  should be regularised,” the protesters urged.