As many as 750 victims of endosulfan spraying have suffered more than 50 per cent disability, according to a report of the State government.
The report, submitted to the High Court of Karnataka on Monday, states that 410 people have suffered 25 to 50 per cent disability while 226 have suffered less than 50 per cent disability.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D H Waghela and Justice H G Ramesh directed the government to come out with a proposal for rehabilitation of the victims.
The government was also directed to pay Rs 250 per month to the victims.
“The status report should be filed district-wise along with details of monthly payment by way of stipend,” the Bench said.
It directed amicus curiae Vaishali Hegde to verify the facts furnished by the government. The Court was hearing a suo motu petition on the harmful effects of endosulfan.
The counsel for the State government informed the Court that during this summer, the schools in the affected districts were converted into special camps for treating the victims.
Assistant Solicitor General Kalyan Basavaraj submitted that the Union government has launched Nirmaya scheme to provide medical and health care for endosulfan victims.
Kerala model
When the Bench sought to know the rehabilitation measures in Kerala, the amicus curiae informed that apart from medical aid, Kerala government was providing financial aid of Rs three lakh to Rs five lakh.
The Court directed the amicus curiae to compare the status report with that of Kerala and submit the details. The latter sought a month’s time to complete the task.
Justice Manjunath had written a letter to the Chief Justice on October 3, 2012, expressing concern over the harmful effects of endosulfan used by cashew growers in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
He had urged the Chief Justice to consider his letter as a writ petition.
Justice Manjunath had said that the State government has failed in providing medical facilities and rehabilitation measures for the people affected by the pesticide.