Give higher compensationfor Madhu’s kin: Chandy

Seeks special package for Attappady

Former Chief Minister Oommen on Sunday wrote to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking a higher quantum of compensation for the family of Madhu, the tribal youth who was lynched to death in Attappady.

Mr. Chandy sought a hike in compensation from the ₹10 lakh announced by the government to ₹25 lakh. He wanted the State government to take urgent steps to reach electricity to the tribal hamlets of Attappady.

Till such a time, the State government should distribute free kerosene, increasing their eligibility to five litres. He wanted the government to expedite the ₹40-crore drinking water project launched by his government with Central assistance.

Mr. Chandy pointed out that the tribal population had been excluded from various social security pensions. Madhu's mother, Malli, was waiting for her widow pension for long. Her experience was not an isolated one and all those who were eligible for pension should be sanctioned with effect from the day they applied.

He urged the State government to broad base the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, which had been redesigned specifically for the tribal people during his tenure as Chief Minister. Similarly, steps should be taken to implement a housing scheme under the government's LIFE Mission.

Recalling the special package covering health and free rations implemented by his government for Attappady tribes, Mr. Chandy said 181 hamlets were covered under the government's scheme. ‘‘Unfortunately, these schemes were functioning only nominally. The community kitchen scheme should be effectively implemented and ragi, which is a staple diet of tribal people, should be distributed.

Mr. Chandy wanted the government to sanction ₹2 crore for the repair of the 4.5-km road leading to the house of Madhu, besides naming as Madhu memorial road. He recalled that he had to travel for more than an hour from Mukkali to reach his house.

In addition, Mr. Chandy urged the government to take steps to locate Rajendran, a relative of Madhu, who was currently roaming in the nearby forests. He wanted the government to take up the responsibility of providing employment to one of Madhu’s sisters since the family had been orphaned by his murder, he said.