Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Kerala sanctions Rs 14.4 crore package for Kasaragod endosulfan victims
A long time ago, in a place called Kasaragod in Kerala, India, a strong farm chemical called endosulfan was sprayed from airplanes over cashew plants.
That chemical made many people sick and caused problems for children growing up there.
The government of Kerala decided to help these families.
It set aside a huge amount of money — Rs 14.4 crore — for a program called Snehasanthwanam, which means comfort.
The money will be given every month to more than 5,000 people who are already receiving help.
About 1,000 more people who were newly found to be affected will also start getting help.
Some of the money goes to people who take care of sick family members, and some helps children pay for school.
The government will also make ten special child care centres better.
The affected families are happy but say they still need more help, like good healthcare and steady support, for a long time.
Kerala's V.D. Satheesan-led UDF government sanctioned Rs 14.40 crore for the continuation of the 'Snehasanthwanam' rehabilitation package for endosulfan victims in Kasaragod for 2026-27.
Rs 9.84 crore is earmarked as monthly relief for 5,208 existing beneficiaries from April 2026 to March 2027.
Rs 2.64 crore has been set aside for around 1,000 newly identified beneficiaries expected to be added to the relief list.
Rs 64.76 lakh will provide monthly assistance to 771 caregivers under the 'Ashwasakiranam' scheme, and Rs 10.05 lakh will fund educational assistance for 400 children.
Rs 1.17 crore will upgrade infrastructure at 10 model child rehabilitation centres, while victims continue to demand sustained financial assistance, healthcare and rehabilitation.
- Who
- The V.D. Satheesan-led UDF government in Kerala, through the Social Justice Department.
- What
- Sanctioned Rs 14.40 crore for the continuation of the 'Snehasanthwanam' comprehensive rehabilitation and welfare package for endosulfan victims of Kasaragod.
- When
- The government order was issued on Saturday, covering the 2026-27 period, with monthly relief running from April 2026 to March 2027.
- Where
- Kerala, specifically the endosulfan-affected areas of Kasaragod district.
- Why
- To ensure uninterrupted financial assistance and rehabilitation for residents affected by decades of aerial endosulfan spraying over cashew plantations, and to bring newly identified victims into the welfare net.
Government Perspective
Victims' Perspective
Adequacy of ongoing support
Government Perspective
The government says the Rs 14.4 crore allocation provides financial stability to affected families and reaffirms its commitment to the long-standing rehabilitation needs of the endosulfan-affected community.
Victims' Perspective
Victims and their families, despite years of campaigning that secured compensation and welfare measures, have continued to demand sustained financial assistance, healthcare and rehabilitation.
- Total allocation
- Rs 14.40 crore for 2026-27
- Scheme
- Snehasanthwanam (rehabilitation and welfare package)
- Existing beneficiaries
- 5,208 persons receiving Rs 9.84 crore in monthly relief (April 2026-March 2027)
- New beneficiaries
- Around 1,000, with Rs 2.64 crore set aside
- Caregiver support
- 771 caregivers under 'Ashwasakiranam' scheme (Rs 64.76 lakh)
- Educational assistance
- 400 children supported with Rs 10.05 lakh (2026-27 academic year)
- Child rehabilitation centres
- 10 model centres to be upgraded with Rs 1.17 crore
- Cause of harm
- Aerial spraying of endosulfan pesticide over cashew plantations for decades