Noted social activist Daya Bai joined hands with endosulfan victims from Kasaragod, who began an indefinite fast in front of the Secretariat on Wednesday, demanding speedy disbursal of compensation and rehabilitation.
The mothers of several children who have been suffering from physical and mental disabilities caused by the indiscriminate use of the pesticide took part in the agitation organised by the Endosulfan Peeditha Janakeeya Munnani.
Ms. Daya Bai, who had joined the victims during an agitation a year ago, said she was appalled that the government had not yet completed disbursal of compensation to the victims and their families.
Scuttling movement
She suspected efforts to scuttle the movement that pressed for compensating all of those who have suffered.
Leaders of the munnani were present at the venue of the agitation. In January 2017, the Supreme Court had directed the Kerala government to disburse compensation for the endosulfan victims within three months and take steps to rehabilitate them. The apex court had awarded a compensation of ₹500,000 each to the families of those who had died following exposure to the pesticide and those who became bed-ridden or mentally challenged.
