New Delhi: Kerala will seek Rs 375 crore
central assistance for disbursing compensation for people affected by the ill-effects of endosulfan and building a super speciality hospital for them.
New Chief Minister Ommen Chandy, who arrived here
today for a series of meetings, said he will raise the issue
with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"The NHRC has recommended several measures for helping
endosulfan victims. We have accepted those proposals. I am meeting the Prime Minister and will seek for a central assistance of Rs 375 crore for those affected by the pesticide," Chandy told reporters here.
He said the government plans to build a super speciality hospital in Kasargode which would be of great help
for the victims.
"Endosulfan victims have to go to Mangalore (in
Karnataka) for treatment as there are no well-equipped
hospitals in Kasargode. So we have decided to have a super
speciality hospital," he said.
Chandy indicated that his government was not averse to
a PPP model for developing a Metro system in Kochi. "The
previous government was of the view that it should modelled
on the Delhi Metro system.
"However, the Planning Commission was opposed to it.
If the previous government`s proposal is workable, we will go
for it or otherwise we will explore for other options," he
said.
PTI
