Banks to realise excess Kuwait War compensation

Kozhikode, May 10 (UNI) The Union Bank of India (UBI) today said it was in the process of realising excess compensation paid to Kuwait War victims in Kerala and other states by the United Nations Compensation Commission.

More than 3,000 victims, who had lost their jobs and savings in the wake of the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, in Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal and Kerala were issued notices to refund the money paid to them over and above their entitlement as soon as possible, UBI sources said.

However, they refused to reveal the quantum of amount to be realised from the returnees, who were forced to flee the Gulf nation.

They said the directives were issued following instructions from the Kuwait Cell of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Other public sector banks such as Syndicate Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and Canara Bank were also pursuing similar action in their jurisdiction, they said.

An estimated Rs 65 crore was disbursed among 3,550 victims in Kerala alone, a report said, adding that about 50 per cent of them were directed to make the refund.

UNI