Failure to transfer CMDRF funds for Wayanad landslide orphans: Rights panel orders probe
The state cabinet had sanctioned the assistance on March 19, with ₹10 lakh earmarked for each of the 21 children—seven who lost both parents and 14 who lost one parent.
The state cabinet had sanctioned the assistance on March 19, with ₹10 lakh earmarked for each of the 21 children—seven who lost both parents and 14 who lost one parent.
The state cabinet had sanctioned the assistance on March 19, with ₹10 lakh earmarked for each of the 21 children—seven who lost both parents and 14 who lost one parent.
Kalpetta: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has initiated a suo motu case over the state government’s failure to release funds promised for the education of children orphaned in the 2024 Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide.
Acting on media reports, judicial member K Baijunath directed Wayanad District Collector D R Meghasree to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within 15 days.
Though the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) website shows that ₹2.1 crore was transferred to the Collector’s account, the finance department has allegedly not cleared the transaction. The Collector’s office maintains that no amount has been credited. Without this transfer, the children’s joint accounts cannot be opened with the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), as required under CMDRF guidelines.
The state cabinet had sanctioned the assistance on March 19, with ₹10 lakh earmarked for each of the 21 children—seven who lost both parents and 14 who lost one parent. Guardians have also alleged that misleading reports suggested the Women and Child Welfare Department’s allocation of ₹10 lakh per child was from CMDRF, potentially causing a four-month delay and loss of ₹6,000–₹7,000 in interest for each beneficiary.
Under the rules, the foster parents can withdraw only the interest, while the child gains full rights over the corpus at the age of 18. Two of the fully orphaned children have already been away for a few months since reaching majority, while the remaining five are cared for under the Kinship Foster Care Programme, where close relatives provide care with state support. The DCPO has been tasked with monitoring the children’s welfare through regular visits and constant engagement with their guardians.