Kerala to give assistance to kin of farmers committed suicide

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 16 (UNI) The Kerala Cabinet today announced a financial assistance of Rs 50,000 each to the families of 549 farmers, who committed suicide during the past five years owing to debt burden.

Announcing the decision, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan told newspersons here after the meeting of the weekly Cabinet that District Collectors have been directed to release the amount before the Onam festival.

A similar assistance of Rs 50,000 would be given to the families of 135 persons, who died of endosulfan poisoning in Kasaragod district.

Pesticide endosulfan was widely used in the cashew plantations in the northern district, causing widespread health problems. Now, its use has been banned by the government.

The Chief Minister also announced the government's decision to give 'Onam Kits' free of cost to all the families living below poverty line during the festival season.

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